Funding approved for glass roof project at St. Michael’s Church ruins in Pälkäne, Finland

Funding has been granted from the EU’s Rural Development Fund for the construction of a glass roof over the ruins of the Pälkäne Church. A decision by the Pirkanmaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment has allocated a support of €278,344 for this project. The medieval ruins of St. Michael’s Church in Pälkäne, Pirkanmaa, are a culturally and historically significant site that has long been the focus of efforts for restoration and coverage. The church was built around the transition between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Various events, from weddings to concerts and outdoor film screenings, are held at the ruins. Recently, a ceremony was conducted to honor skulls that were taken to Sweden for research in the late 19th century and have just been returned to Finland. The glass roof is expected to make the grey stone church ruins a year-round event venue, with construction likely starting next spring.

The initiative is led by the Pälkäne Ruins Church Preservation Association, which has worked diligently on behalf of the church for many years. Since its establishment in 2002, the association has aimed to cover the ruin. They have regularly repaired erosion damage to the walls, with restoration work ongoing this summer, and repairs to the highest west wall commencing this week.

Initially, the association planned to begin construction of the glass roof this autumn; however, the necessary permit from the National Board of Antiquities was only granted in late August. As a result, construction is likely to be postponed until next spring. Current estimates suggest the glass roof project will cost €556,800, with the EU covering 50% of the costs. The municipality, parish, and private entities will also contribute, with some work being carried out as volunteer efforts. This investment is expected to promote the development of tourism services and generate tourism revenue in Pälkäne.