Kuopio park yields remains of 50 people and traces of old churches

Archaeological work in Kuopio’s Piispanpuisto park has uncovered the remains of about 50 people and structures likely belonging to two former churches, Yle reported. Researchers are now examining whether the finds can reveal more about the city’s early history.

The work took place during renovation of the park in central Kuopio, which stands on the grounds of the area’s first churches and cemeteries. Archaeologist Andreas Artto, who oversaw the work for Ark-byroo, said the remains were found in relatively intact graves, meaning they had not been displaced by later burials or other land use.

Kuopio’s Museum of Cultural History estimates that tens of thousands of graves may lie in Piispanpuisto. The first church on the site dates to the 16th century, and three others are believed to have stood there since. The last was demolished in the early 19th century.

Artto, an osteoarchaeologist specialising in human remains, will continue studying the bones in a laboratory. The analysis may establish details such as the deceased people’s biological sex, age at death and height, as well as signs of nutritional deficiencies or illness. The location of a grave may also offer clues about a person’s standing in society.

Stone and wooden structures found in the park are also thought to be connected to one of the former churches. Radiocarbon testing may help identify which church they belonged to and where the structures stood.

The findings confirm observations from test excavations conducted in 2021, according to Tytti Räikkönen, an intendant at the Museum of Cultural History. She said there is little written archival history about Kuopio’s early years, although records include some information about church repairs and the destruction of the first three churches in fires.

A report on the excavations is due in early 2027. The human remains taken for further study will be reburied in the park.