Among Oulu's historical monuments, Oulu Cathedral stands out as the most famous religious building in town. The very first church was built on its site in the 17th century. During the first hundred years of its existence, it was completely destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times. In the 19th century, the church underwent its first large-scale reconstruction when it's got a new bell tower. Today, the shrine attracts tourists not only with its spectacular architecture but also with very beautiful interior decoration. Some interior items have survived from the 19th century. The most unusual decoration of the hall is the model of an old ship suspended from the ceiling, which is a vivid reminder of the traditions of local people. The cathedral has also preserved an old organ, which makes it a permanent venue for music concerts.
In the vicinity of Oulu, there are several interesting archaeological areas, which are still being studied. Tourists can go to the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, on the territory of which archaeologists discovered fragments of an early man site. Most of the artifacts discovered here date back to the 4th millennium BC. The open-air museum was established on the territory of this amazing archaeological area. Its visitors can now see recreated dwellings of ancient people, as well as valuable finds discovered by archaeologists.
Kerimäki Church located on the outskirts of Oulu is considered the most important religious monument in the region. The main feature of the church is being built entirely of wood. Since its construction, it has been one of the largest wooden churches in the world. Its hall can accommodate up to 5,000 people at a time. The interior of the church is also striking in its artistic subtlety.
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