Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Church · Lemi, South Karelia
Lemi Church
Wooden church of 1786, in a cruciform plan, built by Juhana Salonen. It is among Finland’s most important wooden churches, with interior wooden vaults shaped like a trefoil.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lemi Church
Lemi church stands at the village’s central junction, surrounded by the old cemetery with a stone wall. It was built in 1786 under the direction of Juhana Salonen, a church builder from Savitaipale who also built the Lappee church in Lappeenranta. The date and the builder’s name are painted in Latin on the vault. It is the parish’s third church; a stone in the cemetery marks the two previous ones.
The Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto) includes the church among nationally significant built environments and describes it as one of the most notable wooden churches in the country. The plan is a cross with equal arms that narrow outward, a type from eastern Finland. The roof is steep, covered with wooden shingles, and a small lantern crowns the center of the cross.
Inside, the cross arms have plank vaults in a trefoil shape, rare in Finnish architecture, and the center rises into a stepped dome. The pulpit dates from 1764, older than the building itself. The central crystal chandelier came from Saint Petersburg as a gift from parishioners in the early 19th century, and the organ is from 1988. The church underwent restorations during the 20th century, one directed by architect Juha Leiviskä.
Beside the church are the bell tower and the war heroes’ cemetery, with a monument from 1954. The church belongs to the Taipale parish and remains in use for services and weddings.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the interior and the cemetery.
Best time
At any time of year. The interior opens for services and by arrangement with the parish; check before you go. In summer, late-afternoon light often illuminates the wooden façade.
How to get there
In Lemi center, at the junction of the main streets, a short walk from the bus stop. From Lappeenranta by car it’s about 25 km.
Tip
Notice the vault: the Latin inscription with the year 1786 and the builder’s name is painted on the wood. Outside, look for the stone that marks the two previous churches.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lemi Church
Who built Lemi church?
Juhana Salonen, a church builder from Savitaipale, in 1786. The year and his name are painted in Latin on the vault.
Why is Lemi church important?
The Finnish Heritage Agency regards it as one of the country’s most notable wooden churches, because of its cruciform plan with arms that narrow outward and its rare trefoil-shaped internal vaults.
Can you go inside Lemi church?
Yes, for services and by arrangement with the Taipale parish. Check before you go.