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A Giant's Church (Finnish: Jätinkirkko or jatulinkirkko) is the name given to prehistoric stone enclosures found in the Ostrobothnia region of Finland. Dating from the sub-Neolithic period (3500-2000 BC), they are thought to be a rare example of monumental architecture built by hunter-gatherers in northern Europe.
Description
The stone enclosures are rectangular or oval boulder embankments. Around forty sites are known, located in a 400 kilometre strip on the northwest coast of Finland (Ostrobothnia). Although located inland today, they were probably originally on the seashore. There is no hard evidence as to their intended use. It is possible they were used by hunters of seals on the Spring ice, who were away from their usual dwelling places.
One of the largest known sites is Kastelli Giant's Church, which encloses an area of 60 by 35 metres. The Giants' Churches have been dated to the "subneolithic" (ie. Mesolithic people who are beginning to use Neolithic artefacts) around 3500-2000 BC. By 1500 BC they were abandoned.