Messukylä Cemetery
Messukylä Cemetery is a historic cemetery beside Messukylä Church, in use since 1891. The grounds include coffin and urn graves, a memorial grove, war graves and several memorials.
Messukylänkatu 54, 33700 Tampere
About the cemetery
Messukylä Cemetery has been in use since 1891. The cemetery beside Messukylä Church covers approximately two hectares, and a newer urn burial area of approximately the same size was opened in autumn 2006.
Keskinen Cemetery forms part of the wider cemetery complex and is used particularly for urn burials and memorial groves.
Messukylä Cemetery is located next to Messukylä Church. The cemetery does not have a separate funeral chapel, and funeral services are usually held in the church.
War graves and memorials
The war graves section is located on the western side of Messukylä Church, near Messukylänkatu.
Eighty-four people who died in the wars of 1939–1945 are buried there. The cemetery also has a memorial plaque commemorating 23 people who are buried in family graves elsewhere in Messukylä Cemetery.
The cemetery also has a memorial to those who died in the Finnish Civil War of 1918.
The bronze war memorial Aseveljen vala (“Comrade-in-Arms’ Oath”) was designed by sculptor Rikhard Rautalin. According to tradition, painter Armas Rautio served as the model for the sculpture.
- height: almost 3 metres
- granite pedestal: 1.7 metres
- unveiled on 1 December 1946
The inscription on the pedestal reads:
“Though our sword may break before our task is done,
and one day we may fall upon the field,
blessed is the one who has been granted
even a little time to serve his country.”
Cemetery map
The map shows the different sections of the cemetery, parking areas and other facilities.