In 1990, a new cemetery was inaugurated in Kallio Church. Under the floor was quarried columbariumwhere 2500 ash urns can be placed, or the ashes of the deceased can be poured directly into the common rock tomb.

For the sake of the burial peace, relatives are only allowed to enter the premises once. The church hall has two places of remembrance, where you can sit down and reminisce.

In the church's centenary history, the vicar Esa Siljamäki said: "Death was not removed from life, it was brought into the midst of life. Kallio Church reflects the brevity of life - from the baptismal font to the altar of remembrance of the dead".

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a structure specially designed for urn burial, with a number of small compartments, called niches, for storing cremated remains. These niches are usually bricked into the wall or may be part of a separate building or structure. The name columbarium comes from the Latin word 'columbarium', which historically meant a dovecote, referring to the arrangements of dovecotes that resemble the niches.

Columbariums are widely used in countries where burial is less common and cremation is more popular, such as Japan, India and many Western countries. They offer a space-saving, aesthetic and respectful way of storing the ashes of the deceased and can be placed both indoors and outdoors.