Puhja kirik (Puhja)

 Gothic (architecture), interesting place, listed building / architectural heritage, lutheran church/kirk, historical building, place of worship, 15th century construction, tourist attraction

Puhja Church (also: Puhja St. Dionysius Church) is a church in Puhja hamlet, Elva rural municipality, Tartu county. Previously, the church was part of Puhja parish. The church is used by the Puhja congregation. The Gothic-style stone church was built in 1495–1499. It is possible that a wooden church previously stood on the same site, the 500th anniversary of which was commemorated in 1862. The wooden church was probably built at the same time as Kavilda Castle (Kawelecht) by the Tiesenhausens. The place was first mentioned in 1397 (Pujen). The church is one of the three oldest churches in South Estonia and is included in the list of national heritage sites. The church was originally built as a three-nave parish church, which was partially destroyed in 1627. The rich design of the western facade with a console tower (the destroyed parts have been replaced with wooden elements) has been preserved. The church has good acoustics and concerts of both local and regional importance are held there. The church houses a rare mechanical Müllverstädt organ (built in 1882). There is an old barn next to the church. In 1999, the 500th anniversary of the Puhja stone church was celebrated.