Sammallahdenmäen

Sammallahdenmäki is a Bronze Age burial site located in the municipality of Rauma in Finland. It is the first archaeological site in Finland to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a status it received in 1999. The site comprises approximately 50 ancient graves, including stone circles, cairns, and stone cist burials, dating back to between 1500 and 500 BCE.

The most prominent feature of Sammallahdenmäki is the "Kirkonlaattia" (Church Floor), a large, rectangular stone enclosure. Other significant structures include several round stone cairns and a unique stepped stone formation. These monuments provide valuable insights into the burial practices, social structures, and religious beliefs of the people who inhabited the region during the Bronze Age.

The archaeological investigations at Sammallahdenmäki have uncovered various artifacts, such as pottery fragments, bronze tools, and personal adornments, further illuminating the lives of its ancient inhabitants. The preservation of the site is remarkable, offering a rare glimpse into a prehistoric landscape. Sammallahdenmäki is an important testament to early human activity and cultural development in Finland and is a significant site for both scientific research and public education. Its designation as a World Heritage Site underscores its universal value and the need for its ongoing protection.