Secrets Unveiled: Exploring Nightwish's Hometown Church - Kitee's 100-Year-Old Stone Marvel

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through my hometown of Kitee, where a magnificent over 100-year-old stone church stands as a testament to time and heritage. Did you know that this very church is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the renowned Finnish band, Nightwish? Designed by the esteemed architect Frans Sjöström, this majestic grey stone church was completed in 1886 and consecrated on Epiphany Day in 1887.
However, the history of Kitee's church is not without its trials. It has endured several fires throughout its existence, serving as a silent witness to the tumultuous past of the municipality. Situated on the border between East and West, Kitee became a battleground where Lutherans and Orthodox factions clashed, resulting in the burning of each other's churches as acts of revenge.
Within the sacred grounds of the churchyard lies the final resting place of Nils Ludvig Arppe, the visionary builder of Finland's first steamship. His burial site, nestled between his first two wives, tells a poignant tale of love and loss. Also interred in the same family plot is Anna, Arppe's daughter from his third marriage, who tragically passed away at the tender age of seven.
Step inside the grandeur of this historical landmark, where 1500 seats await within its hallowed halls. The resplendent 28-voice organ, crafted by the artisans of Kangasala Organ Factory, fills the air with celestial melodies. Adorning the altar wall, reminiscent of an iconostasis, is a masterpiece by the artist Berndt Lagerstam-a replica of Leonardo da Vinci's depiction of the Last Supper, painted in 1924.
Join me as we uncover the secrets and treasures hidden within the walls of Kitee's venerable stone church-a sanctuary of beauty, history, and reverence.
//LINKS MENTIONED
City of Kitee
www.kitee.fi/en/web/eng/tourism
SydänKarjala Travel Guide
www.kitee.fi/documents/148627...
The grey Kitee Stone Church
www.kiteenseurakunta.fi/kirko...
fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiteen_...
Nils Ludvig Arppe
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nils_Lu...
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In the video, it was not mentioned that Tarja Turunen, a former member of Nightwish, has performed in the Kitee Church. From a young age, Turunen was an active performer, often singing at various school events.
Additionally, an event called "Art Nightwish" has been organized in the Kitee Stone Church. This event focuses on the music and history of Nightwish, as well as the band's influence and roots in the Kitee area.
The Kitee Church has also hosted "Raskasta Joulua" concerts, a popular tour where well-known Finnish rock and metal musicians perform traditional Christmas songs in metal styles.