Karja - Katariina kirik

Karja's St. Catherine's Church is located in the area of the neighbouring village of Linnaka.

Around 1254, there was already a wooden church on the site. It was destroyed in 1343. The present church was built in the Gothic style between 1340 and 1350, probably by a French-influenced master from the Swedish island of Gotland. The hall church built by him has a single nave. The church has been preserved almost unchanged in its original form.

It is claimed, that this church is one of the country churches with the most sculptures carved in stone in the whole of northern Europe.
This "Calvary" relief used to be above the portal. It can now be found on the southern wall of the church.

Christ in the centre, the Virgin Mary on the left and St. John on the right. To the left of the Virgin Mary is a crucified criminal who has repented of his sins. His soul leaves his body in the form of a small child, who is conceived by an angel who takes him to heaven. Christ's head is turned towards him. The second criminal has not repented of his sin. His soul is grabbed by a ridiculous horned devil who takes the soul to hell.