About the cemetery
The current church of Raisio was built at the beginning of the 16th century. For the first 300 years, the deceased were buried beneath the church floor, as was common practice at the time. When this became illegal in Finland, burials were moved to the surrounding churchyard.
From the 1950s onward, Raisio grew rapidly, from a population of around 1.500 to more than 25.000 residents. As the town expanded, so did the cemetery. By the 1980s and 1990s, it became clear that space was running out, and without doing something there wouldn't be enough space to bury the deceased. As a result, the parish began actively promoting cremation over traditional coffin burials. This shift led to the creation of The Rocks of Eternal Peace and The Chapel of Brightness - a unique and beautifully designed area of the cemetery dedicated to urn burials and the scattering of ashes.
The most significant expansions of the cemetery were carried out between 1992 and 2010, based on the designs of Finnish architect Bey Heng (1925–2019), known nationally for his work on several cemeteries. His thoughtful design ensures that the cemetery blends harmoniously with the landscape. In some parts, the site appears as though the earth and sky merge into one, creating a meditative, almost spiritual atmosphere. Remnants of the 1800s cemetery layout can still be seen around the church, preserving the historical essence of the site. And, as with the legend of the two German giants—Killi and Nalli—who are said to have built the church, this evolving cemetery is now part of local lore.
Among the main attractions for visitors is The Chapel of Brightness and its surrounding area, especially stunning from May to October. The cemetery also stands out for its serene beauty and variety of graves but also for its ecological consciousness, and inclusive philosophy. An example of this ecological thinking is the composting area, where plant waste is turned into new soil for flower beds and plantings.
Architect Bey Heng once said, "The cemetery is for the living". This statement remains the guiding principle in how the Raisio Cemetery is preserved and developed—a living place of memory, reflection, and natural beauty.
Cemetery address
Kirkkotie 221200 Raisio
Finland
Basic data
Date of first burial: 1831Cemetery area: 5ha
Approximate number of graves: 5572
*Photo source:
www.raisionseurakunta.fi/hautausmaa