Kiikka Church

The wooden cross-shaped church, Kiikka’s third, was built in 1807 under the direction of Mats Åkergren from Ruovesi, based on plans drawn up by the Intendant’s Office in Stockholm.

Its appearance changed dramatically during renovations in 1884. A Neo-Gothic bell tower was added to the west end, the old belfry was dismantled, and its base was converted into a mortuary for the cemetery. Since then, the towers have been altered several times, removed, raised, and restyled.

A major renovation was completed in Helsinki’s Olympic year, 1952. The interior was completely redesigned according to architect Bertel Strömmer’s plans, and the main tower received its current form.

The building’s color has also changed over time: originally red, then yellow or gray for nearly a century, and since 1977, red again.

The altarpiece, painted by Aleksandra Såltin in 1884, depicts the Transfiguration of Christ.

Alongside Tyrvää St. Olaf’s Church, Kiikka Church is notable for its striking gallery paintings. In 1819, Carl Fredrik Blom painted 36 biblical figures on the gallery railings. An interesting detail: exactly half of these figures are women.