Churches

Velkua Church

Built on Palva Island in 1793, this wooden church was constructed by the people of Velkua themselves and is a popular local landmark.

A church on Palva island

In the late 18th century, Velkua islanders grew weary of long church journeys by boat in summer and across the ice in winter and decided to build their own church.

Among Velkua’s three hundred islands, Palva was chosen as the location, with a south-facing shoreline. At the time, autumn storms could carry boats right up to the bell tower. Timber for the construction was donated from Kaltsaari, Velkua’s enclave in the Korppoo area.

The church was completed in 1793. Bishop Jakob Gadolin donated an altarpiece depicting the Resurrection of Christ in 1796 as thanks for the community building the church themselves.

Peace was short-lived: during the Finnish War, a naval battle took place off Palva near Lailuoto on 18 September 1808. The Russians won within hours, remained in the area, and looted both the vicarage and the church.

After the battle, only the church’s outer shell remained, with broken windows. Looters took many valuable liturgical items and textiles. Only the altarpiece, hidden before the landing, was saved. The votive ship Lovisa Eleonora was donated by the young men of Velkua in 1812 in memory of the Battle of Palva.

Accessibility

The church and the altar are accessible. An accessible toilet is in the service building next to the parking area.