Pälkäne church ruins get glass roof after 130 years

The medieval ruins of St Michael’s Church in Pälkäne have received a glass roof, ending more than 130 years without one, Yle reports. The roof collapsed in a storm in December 1890.

The new roof has a wooden frame and more than 200 panes of glass. The church’s protection association wanted a glass roof so visitors could still see the sky, moon and stars. “We still have the sky as our roof,” said Carita Lindholm, the association’s chair, lead designer and construction manager.

The renovation also added a slate floor, benches and an illuminated cross made from a dead tree trunk. The roof protects the church walls from weather and means events can be held without a weather contingency. The ruins can be booked for celebrations from next May, with events possible throughout the year.

The association, founded in 2002, has aimed to protect the ruins by covering the walls. The project cost about 660,000 euros and stayed within budget, with volunteer work helping reduce expenses. Funding came from EU rural development support through the Inner Finland Vitality Centre, Luopioinen Savings Bank Foundation, Pälkäne municipality, Pirkanmaa Cooperative Bank and Pälkäne parish. The official opening is planned for next spring.