The Velise church was built based on the design of Ervin Berhard. Stonemasons were brought in from the Lake Peipus area. The richness of decoration, which is characteristic of Russian architecture, was toned down to fit in with the Estonian culture through a skilled use of colour contrast between bricks and fieldstones.
Did you know?
*The Velise congregation was the first to be founded in what is now Rapla County during the period of active Russification.
*15,000 roubles were allocated from the budget of the Russian empire for the construction of the church.
*In 1889, the church was consecrated to John the Baptist.
*The church sometimes hosts concerts.
*The ‘swing island’ behind the church is an ideal place to picnic and relax.
