St. Olaf's Church, Jyväskylä

St. Olaf's Church is a Catholic church building in Jyväskylä featuring austere concrete architecture and a covered entrance area. The complex includes supporting facilities such as a parish center, school, student housing, and rectory on the site.

The church was built in 1962 following the merger of Catholic parishes displaced from Karelia and Vyborg after World War II. This construction marked a new beginning for Catholics who had resettled in central Finland.

The church serves as a spiritual center for the Catholic community across the region, drawing people together through religious services and educational activities.

The church is located on Yrjönkatu street in an accessible neighborhood with good local connections. Visitors should note that the site includes multiple buildings that form the complete complex.

Architect Olavi Kivimaa deliberately designed the building with minimalist concrete forms that departed from traditional church architecture. This spare style was intended to focus attention on spiritual essentials rather than decoration.

Location: Jyväskylä

Inception: 1962

Elevation above the sea: 95 m

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/pyhaenolavinseurakunta

GPS coordinates: 62.24795,25.74835

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24