Travels in Finland and abroad

November 30, 2012

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

In English:

Why there are ships in Finnish churches?

Many people who have visited churches in Finland have wondered why ships are hanging in Finnish churches. Why they are there? Those ships or church ships are called Votive ships. The word Votive is coming from Latin word “Votum” and it means: “promised gift, promise, wish”.

They have been donated by some congregants who have been saved from some distress at sea or thankfulness from some successful sea voyage. Originally they are memories to some person who has been drowned. People has gathered by the side of these ships to remember those who have been drowned and to pray for them.

Ships are old Christian symbols: Church is a ship, which leads us safely at world’s rough seas. As an example is used Noah’s ark. These ships are hanging from ceiling and their prow is pointing direct to the shrine. Also they are extremely meticulous work of art from the original models.

To get the name of the picture, then move mouse pointer over the image. There will a popup with name and number in some cases. Thank You.

En español:

¿Por qué hay barcos en iglesias finlandesas?

Muchas personas que han visitado iglesias en Finlandia han preguntado por qué barcos se cuelgan en las iglesias en Finlandia. ¿Por qué están allí?

Aquellos buques son llamados buques votivas o ofrendas votivas. La palabra Exvoto proviene de la palabra latina “Votum” y significa: “regalo prometido, la promesa, deseo”.

Ellos han sido donadas por algunos fieles que se han salvados de algún peligro en el mar o el agradecimiento de algún viaje por mar con éxito. Originalmente son recuerdos a alguna persona que se ha ahogado. La gente se ha reunido al lado de estos barcos para recordar a los que se han ahogado y de orar por ellos.

Los buques son antiguos símbolos cristianos: la Iglesia es un barco, que nos lleva con seguridad en los mares agitados del mundo. Como ejemplo se utiliza el arca de Noé. Estos buques están colgando del techo y su proa apunta directamente al santuario. También el trabajo son extremadamente meticuloso de arte de los modelos originales.

Al obtener el nombre de la fotografía, mueva el puntero del ratón sobre la imagen. Haya un popup con el nombre y número, en algunos casos. Muchas gracias.

En francais:

Pourquoi il ya des navires dans les églises finlandaises?

Beaucoup de gens qui ont visité les églises en Finlande se sont demandé pourquoi il y a-t-ils bateaux qui sont accrochés dans les églises finlandaises.

Pourquoi sont-ils là? Ces navires sont appelés les bateaux votive. Le mot vient du votive mot latin “Votum” et il signifie: “promise don, promesse, espérance”.

Ils ont été donnés par certains fidèles qui ont été sauvés de certains détresse en mer ou reconnaissance de certains voyage en mer réussie. A l’origine ce sont des souvenirs à une personne qui a été noyé. A rassemblé les gens à côté de ces navires se souvenir de ceux qui ont été noyés et à prier pour eux.

Les navires sont de vieux symboles chrétiens: l’Eglise est un navire, ce qui nous conduit en toute sécurité à une mer agitée monde. Bon exemple est utilisé arche de Noé. Ces navires sont suspendus au plafond et leur proue est de pointage direct vers le sanctuaire. Aussi de travail dont ils sont extrêmement méticuleuse de l’art des modèles originaux.

Pour obtenir le nom de l’image, puis déplacez le pointeur de la souris sur l’image. Il y aura un popup avec le nom et le numéro dans certains cas. Merci.

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

Ships inside churches / Barcos dentro de iglesias / Bateaux dans les églises

You never cannot understand how gorgeous miniature churches a very old war veteran made from matches.

Church scale models from matches .

Altarpieces.

Sculptor’s private wooden church.

Antique church chandeliers.

Pulpits in churches.

Stained glass windows in churches.

71 Comments »

  1. Who would have thought these would be in churches?!

    Comment by wordsfromanneli — November 30, 2012 @ 08:26 | Reply

    • Hi Anneli.

      That is correct, but after reading my introduction, very understandable that churches are just right places for them. Thank You commenting.

      Have a great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 30, 2012 @ 08:58 | Reply

  2. This is a remarkable collection of photos, Matti! I loved being able to study them! How wonderful it would have been to visit the original ships afloat!

    Comment by montucky — November 30, 2012 @ 08:30 | Reply

    • Hello Terry.

      I am glad that You liked them. My collection is photographed during many years around in Finland from the South to the North and from the West to the East. Mainly these church ships are on our coastal areas in the West; South-West and in the South. Thank You for Your comment.

      Happy Friday!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 30, 2012 @ 09:06 | Reply

  3. Bonjour Matti,
    Tous sont très beaux, mon coup de coeur va à Karuna car il semble le plus ancien et les boiseries de l’église ont beaucoup de charme.
    Je te souhaite un bon week-end.
    Bises

    Comment by Marion B. — November 30, 2012 @ 08:31 | Reply

    • Bonjour Marion.

      Très bien. L’église Karuna est située à Helsinki, en Finlande, en Seurasaari, dans un endroit où je viens présenté récemment, mais pas de l’église là-bas, que je le vais présenter á toi l’an prochain. L’église Karuna a été construite entre les 1685-1686 anèes.

      Voici le lien:

      Musée en plein air de Seurasaari

      Bon week-end á toi aussi.

      Comment by Sartenada — November 30, 2012 @ 09:50 | Reply

  4. Hello, what fascinating information. I particularly like the ship with the yellow background as it appears to be sailing into a sunset. Very interesting!

    Comment by Bondseye — November 30, 2012 @ 14:33 | Reply

    • Hello Lisa.

      I am glad that You liked this post. The photo which You selected is one of my fovorite also.

      Happy Week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 30, 2012 @ 14:53 | Reply

  5. My word!!!! Those are incredible!!!! The ship in the snow castle is surreal!! The “Port of Caledonia” caught my eye because the town that is the county seat for us (Houston County) is named Caledonia! I think my favorite (how is it possible to choose???) is the ship in Pietarsaari. Such an interesting history/story behind all those ship models. The intricate detailing is breath taking!!!! Thanks for sharing! Your photography is so nice;-D

    Comment by treadlemusic — November 30, 2012 @ 14:37 | Reply

    • Hello Treadlemusic.

      Great comment. Thank You.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 30, 2012 @ 14:57 | Reply

  6. these are all so pretty – thanks for the photos and history it is all so interesting

    Comment by Karen — November 30, 2012 @ 15:24 | Reply

    • Hello Karen.

      Thank You. I am happy that You did like the background history also.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 10:51 | Reply

  7. What an interesting tradition. The votive ships are so beautiful, made more so by their meaning. I’d love to see them for myself someday.

    Elisa

    Comment by elisaruland — November 30, 2012 @ 16:23 | Reply

    • Hi Elisa.

      Thank You commenting. In live they are so gorgeous that one can admire them long time.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 11:04 | Reply

  8. WE have “Church-ships” in almost every church in Denmark too. I thought all Christian Churches had these ships all over the world! But now I realize, it is not so …. Great post, Matti! Have a nice winter – weekend!!

    Comment by Truels — November 30, 2012 @ 18:22 | Reply

    • Hello Truels.

      So nice. No, they are not at all. The background story lights the idea of them. Thank You.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 11:21 | Reply

  9. These are absolutely fantastic. I’ve been in churches built by shipwrights where the building itself is shaped like an overturned ship’s hull, but I have not seen ship models in churches before. It does make sense, and ships are very appropriate for churches. The detail in these ships is amazing, and they are all beautiful. Thank you for sharing these with us.

    Comment by seniorhiker — November 30, 2012 @ 18:37 | Reply

    • Hi George.

      Okay, You did find something new from my post. That was so nice to read it. Thank You commenting.

      Have a great week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 14:17 | Reply

  10. very fascinating history! I don’t think I’ve seen a ship model in any of the RC churches here. I will be researching this, for sure!
    thank you for these pictures and the chance to learn something new!

    Comment by SmallHouseBigGarden — November 30, 2012 @ 20:28 | Reply

    • Hello Karen.

      Thank You for Your visit and comment. Tell me if You find any there, because I am interested to hear it.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 12:37 | Reply

  11. Again, you have taught me something that I didn’t know before. It makes sense with the water and so many analogies to steerage in the right direction. Nice timing as we approach the first Sunday of Lent.Thank you.

    Comment by janechese — November 30, 2012 @ 21:05 | Reply

    • Hello Jane.

      I am happy that my post learned something new to You. Thank You for Your comment.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 12:49 | Reply

  12. I never heard of this before – it’s a wonderful concept!

    Comment by megtraveling — November 30, 2012 @ 22:10 | Reply

    • Hello Megtraveling.

      I am glad that my post caused to You some positive “surprise”.

      Happy week-end!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 12:58 | Reply

  13. What amazing workmanship, to create such perfect details in miniature. These are beautiful photos, Matti! Thank you for sharing them with us.

    Comment by Heart To Harp — December 1, 2012 @ 05:00 | Reply

    • Hi Janet.

      It was nice to read that You did find these ships great workmanship. In the beginning of next year I start a new series of photos presenting Poor-man Statues which are quite unique in the world.

      Happy Saturday!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 1, 2012 @ 14:01 | Reply

  14. That was really interesting and your pictures are absolutely stunning! Amazing! I enjoyed it very much.
    Thank you for this very special post!

    Have a nice weekend and till next time!
    Michèle

    Comment by ladyfromhamburg — December 1, 2012 @ 19:53 | Reply

    • Hello Michèle.

      How glad I feel myself that You commented my post. I have done great job and travelling long trips for my collection of these church ships. Thank You.

      Have a great day.

      Comment by Sartenada — December 3, 2012 @ 17:48 | Reply

  15. Muy interesante lo de los barcos, no lo sabía, ¡estupendo como siempre!, besos

    Comment by ManoliRizoFotografia — December 2, 2012 @ 03:15 | Reply

    • Hello Manoli.

      Every time I’m glad your comment very many. Thank you very much.

      Hope you have a great day.

      Comment by Sartenada — December 3, 2012 @ 17:52 | Reply

  16. Great photos of the model ships. I enjoyed learning all about them. Very interesting reading.

    Comment by linnyjcreations — December 2, 2012 @ 11:56 | Reply

    • Hi Linny.

      I am really happy when reading Your comment. Thank You.

      Have great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 3, 2012 @ 18:06 | Reply

  17. An unusual tradition I’ve not heard of before. Some beautiful models and craftmanship

    Comment by surfnslide — December 2, 2012 @ 14:07 | Reply

    • Hello Surfnslide.

      My wife said once (when learning to bead) that “Life is learning”. So now You learned something new. Thank You for Your visit and for Your nice comment.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 3, 2012 @ 18:20 | Reply

  18. I certainly didn’t know that ships were displayed in churches. However, from what you said….it makes perfect sense that people would donate these ships to the churches – especially to show their gratitude for a successful voyage. Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures, and on informing us of this interesting tradition.

    Comment by luchaniktravel — December 4, 2012 @ 07:38 | Reply

    • Hi Davinder.

      Thank You. Here in Finland we remember very well the ship wreck of Estonia in which drowned 852 persons from 989 persons in 1994 on 24th September. The state Estonia is South of Helsinki (capital of Finland). So I think that these Votive ships are valid yet today. If somebody who is thankful has money to pay for making it, because will take at least a year to do one. The distance between Helsinki and Tallinn (capital of Estonia) is only 84 km / 52 miles.

      I have to use yet my Mobile broadband modem for my connection, so that means I have huge difficulties to answer to comments. The connection works and not works; mainly not. I have been promised to get operational connection to our new home in December on Friday the 14th, 2012. Please to understand me if I have not checked Your posts. Happily I made many posts ready for publication, because I expected something like this problem. Thank You to You for understanding and to others who read this.

      Comment by Sartenada — December 4, 2012 @ 09:42 | Reply

  19. No se que ocurre pero no puedo dejarte comentarios en el post del cementerio en invierno, no sale la cajita de comentarios, así que te lo digo aquí.
    Me ha encantado ver tanta nieve, aunque solo el verla me produce mucho frío, aquí estamos ahora mismo a 12 grados y yo estoy congelada, jajajajaja, y aunque sea un cementerio las imágenes son preciosas, muchos besos

    Comment by ManoliRizoFotografia — December 9, 2012 @ 13:14 | Reply

    • Hola Manoli.

      Me alegro mucho de que te gustan mis fotos de invierno. Espero que mi conexión a Internet functiona bien cuando estoy publicando mi próximo post el viernes o el sábado. Ahora vivimos en un nuevo hogar en una pequeña ciudad de Helsinki a unos 240 kilómetros al norte.

      Abrazos y besitos.

      Comment by Sartenada — December 11, 2012 @ 13:49 | Reply

  20. Que de belles traditions dans ton pays, Matti. Ces navires sont de petites merveilles de fabrications mais aussi de pensées, de reconnaissance. Très belle exposition dans de multiples endroits. Merci aussi pour les photos du cimetière en hiver. Quelle vision incroyable toute cette neige ! On dirait un cimetière perdu… mais non, il est bien là, à l’abri sous l’épaisse couche de neige. La dernière photo est touchante, les bougies, les prières, les pensées pour ceux auxquels on pense et qui sont enterrés au loin.

    Comment by isathreadsoflife — December 11, 2012 @ 22:09 | Reply

    • Salut Isa.

      Tes aimables paroles me touchent également. J’apprécie beaucoup ton commentaire sur mes deux derniers messages. Ce fut une grande joie pour moi en lisant ton comentaire. Merci beaucoup.

      Belle journée.

      Comment by Sartenada — December 12, 2012 @ 08:12 | Reply

  21. What a great collection of ships that you have photographed and what an adventure it would have been to have been onboard one in their day.

    Comment by Mary Gilmartin — August 6, 2013 @ 17:47 | Reply

    • Hello Mary.

      Thank You. To reach this collection requires many long road trips because they are spread on wide area. In addition to this there is no list where to find them. Another difficulty is that our churches are mainly open in summer and our summer is short.

      Have a great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — August 7, 2013 @ 07:07 | Reply

      • You time and effort has been appreciated on showing us these ships. And, summertime is certainly the time of year to get outdoors, no matter where you live. Stay warm this winter because our summer is almost gone too where I live with fall colors just around the corner.

        Comment by Mary Gilmartin — August 7, 2013 @ 16:47 | Reply

  22. This is a very interesting post, I have never seen ships inside churches, what a lovely surprise, I did not know this. Great photos, I like the one in the snow castle the most.

    Comment by Tokeloshe — November 13, 2014 @ 03:39 | Reply

    • Hello Linda.

      I am very happy that You found this post. Always when I visit churches on country side, I check if there are Votive ships and Poor-man statues, if, then I am extremely happy. As You see churches can offer experiences to man. Thank You.

      Have a great day!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 13, 2014 @ 08:37 | Reply

    • Esto me faltaba totalmente…
      Nunca había visto tus fotos y no conocía esta costumbre!
      Es un post maravilloso y muy interesante, gracias por compartir con nosotros!

      Comment by 76sanfermo — November 13, 2014 @ 09:27 | Reply

      • Hola Anna.

        Muchas gracias por tu comentario lo que me gusta muchisimo. Bueno, algunas barcos son muy hábilmente hechos y se puede admirarlos por mucho tiempo.

        Ti auguro una buona giornata.

        Comment by Sartenada — November 13, 2014 @ 10:10 | Reply

  23. Good collection! Ships also appear in churches,and for similar reasons, in churches in the Netherlands and in parts of the UK. And thanks for your likes … !

    Comment by ARvWD — December 14, 2014 @ 22:58 | Reply

    • Hi ARvWD.

      Thank You very much for Your praising comment. This post is part of series of my posts presenting for example wooden churches, memorials on cemeteries, altars, chandeliers, pulpits and bell towers which are separated from churches itself.

      Have a great start of new week!

      Comment by Sartenada — December 15, 2014 @ 08:24 | Reply

  24. Those were incredible! Thanks for the pictures and the history as well.

    Nancy

    Comment by dogear6 — April 3, 2015 @ 22:55 | Reply

    • Hi Dogear6.

      So nice to read that You love my post. Thank You.

      Have a nice day!

      Comment by Sartenada — April 4, 2015 @ 11:29 | Reply

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    Comment by Calluses and Corns — December 22, 2015 @ 09:06 | Reply

  26. interesting ships! The model in Vasa museum was bigger, I’m sure.

    Comment by Tanja — June 10, 2016 @ 11:54 | Reply

    • Okay. Some these are about 3 meters long.

      Comment by Sartenada — June 10, 2016 @ 11:55 | Reply

  27. ces bateaux sont superbes!
    en France il y a aussi des bateaux dans les églises et les chapelles 🙂
    j’en ai vu notamment en Normandie: https://observerlavie.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/chapelle-chagall-chat-cha-cha-cha/ et j’en ai vu aussi à Marseille
    il doit y en avoir partout où il y a des marins, non?

    Comment by malyloup — September 11, 2018 @ 08:50 | Reply

    • Merci Maly.

      Très agréable à lire qu’il y a des navires votifs en France également. Je vais visiter votre lien. Je vous remercie.

      Comment by Sartenada — September 11, 2018 @ 09:00 | Reply

  28. Estoy impresionada !!!
    Excelente colección de fotos de los barcos votivos, es impresionante.
    En España los he visto en dos ocasiones, pero no sabía por qué estaban allí y fíjate que lejos he ido a enterarme de lo que son y por qué están en las iglesias.
    Ya te comenté que uno de ellos está en la iglesia de La Graciosa, una pequeña isla al lado de Lanzarote.
    ¡Todo un descubrimiento!!!
    Gracias por la información y las fotazas.

    Comment by Si, Soy Gallega — November 12, 2018 @ 14:02 | Reply

    • Hola.

      Muchas gracias, encantado de que te hayan gustado mis fotos.

      Un abrazo y ¡buen día!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 16, 2018 @ 08:15 | Reply

      • Siempre son estupendas.
        Muy buen dia para ti también. 😊

        Comment by Si, Soy Gallega — November 16, 2018 @ 13:56 | Reply

  29. Wow I could never guess the reason for hanging ships in Finnish churches.
    Amazing stuff.

    Comment by Neha Chauhan — January 26, 2019 @ 13:18 | Reply

    • Hello Neha.

      Thank You loving my post and its photos. Your comment made me very glad. Thank You.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — January 27, 2019 @ 09:01 | Reply

  30. Fascinating! This is really lovely and I appreciate reading about it and seeing the beautiful pictures.

    Comment by Pam — November 12, 2019 @ 16:24 | Reply

    • Hello Pam.

      Your comment made me very glad. Thank you. Our Churches as the country itself offers surprises which are not known so widely. If you have visited inside churches, then you have seen pulpits, different pulpits. I have a nice collection of pulpits around Finland. Mainly they are from countryside. Here is my post:

      Pulpits in churches

      Have a wonderful day!

      Comment by Sartenada — November 13, 2019 @ 08:02 | Reply

      • I really enjoyed looking at the variety of pulpits – amazing and beautiful! Thank you for the link! One of my favorite things in Icelandic churches was that many of them have a blue ceiling with gold stars. It felt heavenly.

        Comment by Pam — November 13, 2019 @ 15:21 | Reply

        • Hello Pam.

          Thank you for your praising comment. Well, if you are interested in to know and something new which you do not know or ever heard, I will show you something which few people outside Finland know. I am talking about our unique poor-man statues or pauper-statues.

          What they are and where they are. Answer to these questions are in my posts. I give here link to my post in which they are collected to an exhibition inside the world’s biggest wooden church. This link is the first of three posts. I suggest you to see also those two posts, because they are something which you cannot understand when seeing them for the first time. Normally are outside churches on the walls or by the bell towers. More and more they have been moved inside the churches.

          Statues of Paupers1

          Now when you have seen some of them in an exhibition, you might think how they are in their natural surroundings. I selected you one post from 15 posts. This post as all others shows four churches with inside / outside photos, but my favorite poor-man is in Poomarkku church. This poor-man statue is touching, presenting a real poor-man. Here is the post:

          Poor-man statues-post 9

          Have a wonderful day!

          Comment by Sartenada — November 14, 2019 @ 08:42 | Reply

          • I am AMAZED! I never heard of such a thing, and the statues are much more detailed than I first imagined. I was also surprised to see a missing leg, etc. I had no idea this existed, but think it is a wonderful thing. Thank you so much for sharing this with me!

            Comment by Pam — November 15, 2019 @ 02:22 | Reply

            • Hello Pam.

              Thank you. I am very glad that you loved our poor-man statues. I find them very special in the world. Just for this reason few year ago, I wrote World Heritage Centre with photos and tried to get them on Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. What happened? They didn’t even bother to answer me! This shows how negligible an ordinary man is in the eyes of big organizations. That’s life. Sigh.

              Well, no problem, because we have 7 items on the World Heritage Site’s list and I have presented 4 of them. I think that you are aware about these lists and in your beautiful country there must be huge amount of them!

              One on our World Heritage Site’s list, is small town called Rauma. We have many similar towns on our southern and southwestern coastal line. Enjoy:

              Old Rauma

              Happy upcoming weekend!

              Comment by Sartenada — November 15, 2019 @ 10:45 | Reply

              • You presented 4 of the 7 items in your country! WOW!!! Truly awesome. Old Rauma looks beautiful. I would love to visit someday.

                Comment by Pam — November 16, 2019 @ 03:43 | Reply

                • Oh Pam. Your comment made me very happy! Thank you very much. Finland is quite unknown. Your comment inspired me to show the one item in Helsinki. Helsinki offers much to see and is absolutely worth for a visit. Here is my link:

                  Historic maritime fortress of Suomenlinna

                  Happy weekend,
                  Matti

                  Comment by Sartenada — November 16, 2019 @ 08:16 | Reply


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