Description of the attraction
The old church of Messukyla, built of gray stone, is a typical example of medieval Finnish church architecture. This church, erected in the 15th and 16th centuries, is the oldest building in a fairly young Tampere: the church is almost twice as old as the city itself. It is established that a stone building was erected on the site of a wooden church, and is presumably dedicated to St. Olavi, whose images can still be seen here.
Over its long history, the Old Church has experienced many ups and downs. In the 1600s, its walls were decorated with paintings that can be seen to this day. Bells were purchased. However, in 1879, when the construction of the new city church was completed, the Old Church was forgotten and used as a grain storage.
At the beginning of the XX century. renovations were carried out in the church and services were restored. The atmosphere of the Middle Ages, which reigns inside the building, makes the Old Church of Messukyla popular among tourists. However, due to the lack of heating, its doors are only open between May and August.
