St. Cathrine’s Church

The medieval church dates back to 1470 and is one of Raseborg's foremost historical landmarks.

St. Catherine’s stone church, built in the 15th century and consecrated in 1470, is one of Raseborg’s foremost historical landmarks. The sacristy dates back to the 14th century. The three-aisled hall church seats approximately 400 people and has largely retained its original appearance. It is believed that earlier, in the early 15th century, a wooden church stood on the same site. It is not known for certain to which saint the church was originally dedicated, but one of the church’s wooden sculptures, now housed in the National Museum, depicts Catherine of Alexandria. Therefore, the church came to be called St. Catherine’s Church.

At the end of the 18th century, the church’s interior walls were painted white, covering the decorative paintings that had existed there. When the church was renovated in 1936-1937, these paintings were uncovered again. In 1979-1980, a renovation was carried out under the direction of architect Rejström, and the most recent renovation was done in 2007 under the direction of architect Esa Karhumaa.

Visitors can admire the triumphal crucifix from 1450, wooden sculptures, and beautifully carved coats of arms. The church textiles, created by textile artist Barbro Gardberg from Karis in 1976, contribute to the church’s unique atmosphere.

The church has a mechanical organ built by Kangasala Organ Factory in 1980. The organ has 28 stops. Next to the church is a bell tower that was completed in 1768. The bell tower has two bells from the church’s earliest years, one of which is dated to 1477.

The address of the church is Lärkkullavägen 26, Karis. Read more about the church and see opening hours here (only in Swedish).