Naantali Church
The medieval monastery church in Naantali takes you back in time to 1462. Built on Ailostenniemi, the church followed the vision of Saint Bridget of Sweden behind it, the water glistens quietly, just as it did centuries ago.
Information about the church
Outside the summer season Wednesday 12-14 Sundays and public holidays 9-12
Check the opening hours on the Naantali parish website.
Finland’s second-largest medieval church
Naantali’s seascape is crowned by a beautiful white stone church. Built in 1460–1480 as the church of a Catholic Bridgettine convent, it is the only part of the monastery that remains today.
The founding of the convent was approved by King Christopher of Sweden-Finland, and the building permit was signed on 23 August 1443. This date is also considered Naantali’s founding date, as a town was established beside the convent to serve its residents and pilgrims.
Bishop Konrad Bitz consecrated the convent in 1462. Like many Bridgettine monasteries, Naantali’s was a double convent, with nuns and monks living in separate areas enclosed by stone walls. One of its best-known residents was Brother Jöns Budde, often considered among Finland’s earliest writers; he translated religious texts from Latin into Swedish.
The church now
The convent’s activity ended with the Reformation in 1544, after which spiritual life continued under the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Today, Naantali Church is the only monastery building still standing and after Turku Cathedral, the second-largest medieval stone church in Finland. It is a popular attraction and the heart of the Naantali parish, and in summer it also serves as a ‘Road Church’ for travelers.
Liturgical chants once shaped the rhythm of monastery life, which is why the acoustics are exceptional. Several concerts are held here every year, and the medieval church is also the main concert venue of the Naantali Music Festival.
At the Naantali Museum, you can explore a scale model of monastery life. A model of the monastery-era buildings on Ailostenniemi is also displayed in the church entrance hall on the left.
Accessibility
Naantali Church and the altar are accessible. The church has an induction loop for visitors with hearing aids. An accessible toilet is in the cemetery service building.
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