Churches in Lieksa
Landmarks of the region’s cultural history
History-loving travellers cannot help but notice the serene places of worship, adorned with magnificent architecture, as they tour the region. In addition to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lieksa, the tower of the Orthodox Prophet Elias Church reaches toward the sky. Located in Lieksa, Church Park is Finland’s oldest Orthodox chapel, the Chapel of the Transfiguration of Christ, completed in 1797. Other churches and chapels in the area can be found in Koli, Nurmijärvi, Viekijärvi, and Vuonisjärvi.
The eventful history of Lieksa Church
The current church of the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Lieksa is the fourth in the area. The first church, built in 1667, was condemned for demolition; the second, completed in 1772, was destroyed by a lightning strike; and the third, a wooden church designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in 1836, was destroyed by fire in 1979. The current modern church, designed by architects Raili and Reima Pietilä, has stood on the site since 1982.
Lieksa Church
Kirkkokatu 1, 81700 Lieksa
0400 369 919
0400 365 575
Viekijärvi Church
Viekijärvi Church was consecrated in 1911. The distinctive features of this Gothic-style church building include its magnificent, atmospheric log walls, tall windows, and the original wood-burning stoves that were once used to heat the church. The church bells are two steel bells cast in Bochum in 1910.
Viekijärvi Church
Kannelkoskentie 10, 81860 Viekijärvi
Nurmijärvi Parish Hall
The Jongunjoki Parish Hall, located in Nurmijärvi, was designed by architect Rafael Blomstedt. The war delayed construction, and the church was consecrated on July 18, 1948. A distinctive feature of the sanctuary is the square pine veneer panels. The bell tower and the chapel of rest were built in 1956.
Nurmijärvi Parish Hall
Jongunjoki Border Region Church
Salmentaus 5, 81970 Jongunjoki
Paateri Church
Paateri Church is a magnificent center of woodcarving art in the village of Vuonislahden, designed and built by sculptor Eva Ryynänen (1915–2001). The church can be reserved for various events during the summer.
Paateri Church
Paateri 21, 81560 Vuonisjärvi
040 1044 055
Church of the Prophet Elias
St. Elias Church, part of the Joensuu Orthodox Parish, is centrally located in Lieksa.
Church of the Prophet Elias
Iljankatu 14, 81700 Lieksa
0400 397 900
Completed in 1797, the Chapel of the Transfiguration of Christ is situated in the beautiful setting of Lieksa’s church park.
In Vuonisjärvi, in the heart of this charming village, stands the Chapel of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which belongs to the Joensuu Orthodox Parish.
