The Holy Cross Church, Hattula

The Church of the Holy Cross (built around 1472–1500) in Hattula (Häme) houses the most voluminous program of medieval wall paintings in Finland. The paintings, dated to 1510–1516, have undergone minimal changes during the centuries and are in a fragmented state of their medieval appearance. The style and motifs resemble those in Lohja Church and they may be the work of painters from the same workshops. The motifs include numerous images of saints, especially female saints in the arches and pillars of the chancel area. Other motifs include the full salvation history, life and miracles of Virgin Mary, Old Testament motifs as well as some morality motifs. The paintings in the porch are poorly preserved. The donators are likely several individuals and families, but the coat of arms of Åke Göransson Tott and his spouse Marta Bengtsdotter Ulv are presented in the arches of the nave.