Suomalaisten pyhiinvaellukset keskiajalla

In the Middle Ages, almost every Christian participated in a pilgrimage at least once in their life. Finnish pilgrims also traveled to the other side of Europe to Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Jerusalem. However, more popular were the destinations located closer, such as Turku, Vadstena and Nidaros. The desire to honor a saint known as a close friend, a request for help or gratitude, the teachings of the church, blessings or begging for forgiveness of sins were important motivations for hiking. Similarly, the desire for adventure and detachment from everyday life attracted some to the road.

The work approaches the Finnish pilgrimage tradition and practices in a versatile way. It tells why the pilgrimage was started, what traveling on the medieval roads was like, what the pilgrims experienced on their way, and what awaited them at their destination. The book also examines the effect of hiking on the expansion of the world view in the home region.

The authors are leading experts in medieval research in our country. The text is enlivened by numerous trip descriptions, pictures and maps.

2nd edition

Hardcover, in Finnish, 367 pages

Edited by: Sari Katajala-Peltomaa, Christian Krötzl, Marjo Meriluoto-Jaakkola

Proceedings of the Finnish Literature Society 1399

Publications of City of Tampere museums 136

Graphic design and layout: Timo Numminen and Terhi Adler

Directories: Hannemaria Honkanen

Maps: Kauko Kyöstiö / Spatio Oy

ISBN: 978-952-222-530-6

ISSN: 1237-5276 (Vapriikki)