Europe

[Visited: June 2024]

We had been driving and visiting historic castles, and ended up taking a ferry towards the east to reach the island of Kumlinge. The name literally means "rocky passage", and given the landscape it is easy to see that this is a very adequate name. We reach the tiny village of Kumlinge, and drive through a forested area to reach a somewhat open space. Behind a low wall, we see an onion-shaped tower and a sturdy church next to it. We have arrived at Saint Anna church of Kumlinge. When we walk to the entrance, we see several old tombs in the grass-covered field behind the low stone wall. A little further on, we enter the church. Right at the entrance, we see an old bell which surely once must have been hanging in the tower. A kind, and a little eccentric, gentleman welcomes us in.
When we step inside the main church of Saint Anna, we are in awe. The ceilings are heavily decorated, and the walls are covered in paintings. On one fragment, I see Adam and Eve coming out of the mouth of a snake, facing God. There are many more paintings, depicting the face of Christ, saints and angels. Our host asks us to take a seat, and then disappears upstairs. He sits behind the organ, but starts singing. The acoustic works wonders, and we are all taken aback by the simple beauty. Then, he thanks us, comes down, and tells us some more about the church. It was built in the 14th century, the paintings were added a century later. During the Northern War, the church was used by Russians who damaged it and removed some items. The paintings were covered in soot because they also lit fires during the harsh winter months.
In the 1960s, the layers covering the paintings were removed, and the church was restored to its former late medieval glory. We see the original font, a 13th century limestone piece, and more paintings. We learn that the church is named after the mother of Mary, Anna. After taking some more time to marvel at the unexpected treasures of this temple of God, we walk out again. We walk the cemetery behind the church, where we find many tombs and tombstones where inhabitants of this island of the Ã…land archipelago have found their final resting place. When we turn around, we see the backside of St Anne church with its characteristic tower. We see the trees around us, and hear the birds high up in the air. We realize that those resting here, are in a special, peaceful place. It is time to say goodbye to Kumlinge church.

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Kumlinge church (Åland Islands)

Kumlinge church > Åland Islands > Europe

[Visited: June 2024]

Around the World in 80 Clicks