The Orell shop
The Orell shop is the best-preserved building in the old Market Square, that has managed to keep its original look.
This little shop was most likely built in the 1700s.
Not everything is known about the history of the shop, but at least in the year 1855 it was owned by a merchant from Raahe called L. Ahlqvist.
In the beginning of the 1900s the shop was used as a workshop by a carpenter called Ville Orell – after whom the building is named. Ville Orell was the son-in-law of the local master carpenter Efraim Kilpinen.
The building right next to the Orell shop was renovated with a second floor in the 1930s.
Image description:
- 1-4: The little shops, summer 2025. (Lotta Puurula)
- 5: The old market street: the Orell shops are located in the middle. (Kalajoen kotiseutuyhdistys)
Address
Kellokuja 3
Tales from Plassi
Welcome to Plassi – the old town of Kalajoki!
This cultural route spans between the Jokela Vicarage and the Havula museum, leaving a trail of unique and fascinating sightseeing spots on the way.
Learn about the history and the cultural significance of the Plassi area!
In short:
The name “Plassi” derives from a swedish word “marknadsplats”, meaning a marketplace.
Plassi has a long history of being the local center for trading, marketing, sailing, handicrafts and saw industry.
The old village structure in Plassi is well preserved and the area is mostly covered in wooden houses from the 1700-1900s.
Guided walking tours are organized around the Plassi area and at the Havula museum by Kalajoen Matkailuoppaat ry (Kalajoki Travel Guides).
- Book a guided tour: 040 5571325
Additional info:
- The route is app. 2 km long
- You can experience the route by walking, bicycling, driving or entirely remotely in digital form
- There is a sidewalk for pedestrians almost reaching the end of the route, but the last 300 meters you have to walk on the side of the road
- Some of the buildings on the route are privately owned and inhabited - please, remember to respect private properties!
This route is designed in collaboration with Kalajoki Culture Services, and Sari Alajoki, the expert in built heritage.
The old black and white photographs are from Kalajoen Kotiseutuyhdistys (Kalajoki Local Association).
Image description:
- 2: Map of Plassi from 1869 (by C.G.W. Laudelin).