The Untamala Archaeology Centre

The Untamala Archaeology Centre is an archaeological exhibition centre founded by the National Board of Antiquities. The centre is situated in Laitila, in the idyllic village of Untamala in the midst of southwestern Finland’s rural landscape and by the famous iron-age graveyard.

The Untamala Archaeology Centre distributes knowledge about archaeological cultural heritage and cultural landscape and promotes their conservation and management. The centre offers a variety of information, activities and sights for tourists, school children and others interested in antiquities. “The Centuries of Southwestern Finland” exhibition is situated in the first floor of the centre; there one can find out about the region’s prehistory and cultural landscape and how the landscape was formed. In addition, the exhibition gives information about the conservation and management of relics in Finland.

A 2.5 kilometre long, signposted culture path circulates the village of Untamala; by the path one finds ancient graves and sacrificial stones from the Iron Age as well as an idyllic village milieu with its churches. Each visitor can independently take a tour around the path which starts outside the Archaeology Centre.

Courses and functions on such topics as the cultural environment, prehistory and ancient crafts skills are organised in the auditorium, workshop and multipurpose premises in the ground floor of the Archaeology Centre. The functions and courses are organised by the National Board of Antiquities in cooperation with other parties. The premises are also available for hire. A multimedia film on the development of southwestern Finland’s cultural landscape is shown in the auditorium in connection to events and guided tours. In the summertime visitors are also welcome to visit the archaeological excavations.

Untamala Pathway [The Project: "Pathways to Cultural Landscapes"]
Presentation of the cultural pathway in Untamala 

The Untamala Archaeology Centre is unique in Finland for both its activities and structure. The centre is situated in an old, restored cowshed owned by the National Board of Antiquities. Photo: Terhi Puustelli

The Untamala Archaeology Centre is closed in 2010.