What is worth seeing in Turku? What to see in Turku: personal experience

Turku is a Finnish city with two names, the Finns call it Turku, and the Swedes of Abo and both nations are happy with life, especially since the Swedish language is held in high esteem, inscriptions in tourist places are made in Finnish, Swedish and English. Moreover, the inscription in Finnish is 1.5 times longer than similar inscriptions in Swedish or English, national character, they are just not in a hurry and can afford to express their thoughts longer. Famous writer in the fantasy style, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, on the basis of Finnish leisurelyness, wrote the image of living Ent trees in his book The Lord of the Rings.

Abo was the first capital of Finland since the founding of statehood until 1812. It was in this year that a devastating fire occurred in the city and the Russian Emperor Alexander I moved the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland to. The history of the city began in 1280, simultaneously with the construction of the fortress and the main cathedral. Abo has always been the most Swedish city country and now it is home to about 5.3% of the Swedish-speaking citizens of Finland.

All attractions in Turku located along the river Aura or Aurajoki, which flows into the sea. The main attractions, of course, are the Cathedral and Turku Castle. Citizens love to relax on the banks of the river and in good weather all the embankments are occupied by vacationers. enjoy public transport there is no need to get around everything at a leisurely pace in 2 hours, this is without visiting museums.

In the evening on weekdays and on weekends parking is free, it is convenient to park in front of the Cathedral. At other times, you must pay for parking at the parking machine and put the check under the glass.

Turku Cathedral

This is the oldest cathedral in Finland, with a 700-year history. This is the tallest building in the city, located on the Uninkankare hill. It was built on the spot wooden church in the XIII century and consecrated in honor of the Virgin Mary and St. Henrik, the first bishop and educator of Finland. Initially, the cathedral was smaller, and its vault is much lower, but throughout the Middle Ages, the cathedral was repeatedly expanded. Now the tower of the cathedral rises 101 meters above sea level and is a symbol of both the cathedral and the whole city.

The side chapels later turned into tombs for the nobility. The most famous of all tombstones is the sarcophagus of Queen Katarina Monsdotter, wife of the Swedish King Eric XIV. The romantic love story of the Swedish king and the Finnish Cinderella, Katarina, is connected with this grave. Katharina was a simple servant and the king married her when they already had children. Katarina is the only representative of the Finnish people who was honored to wear the crown, although she was queen for only 87 days. The king was overthrown and imprisoned in Turku Castle.

At the very walls of the cathedral there is a monument to the educator of Finland, Mikael Agricola, he was the first Lutheran bishop of Finland and the first to translate the Bible into Finnish.

Embankment of the river Aura

We walked along the embankment of the Aurajoki River, it turns out that the local greens are fighting for the purity of this river, I thought that this problem had already been solved by them. To draw public attention to the problem of pollution of the river, the Greens hung a lot of plastic mirrors under the bridge near the Cathedral and they rattle in the wind.

In the 17th century, during the reign of Governor-General Per Brahe Jr., a “golden age” began in Finland, which also affected Abu. In 1629, the country's first gymnasium opened here, and in 1640, a university was founded, then called the academy. At the beginning of the 17th century, Abu became the residence of the Swedish governor general. The monument to Peru Braga stands on the Old Square of the city.

On this square are the oldest buildings in the city. Every year it is here that the Christmas peace is proclaimed, and from that moment the whole country begins to celebrate Christmas.

The outer fence enclosing the museum is painted with scenes from the life of medieval Turku. So without going to the museum you can immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. The picture above shows the scene of the burning of the witch, here it is evil in its purest form.

Further, not everything is so sad, the city bazaar and the local jester, entertaining the crowd, an integral part of the life of medieval Abo, which in ancient times became a major trading city, at one time Turku even belonged to the cities of the Hanseatic League.

Well, even without representatives of power, medieval life could not go on, and power always relies on the army.

Without love and trade, life is not conceivable at any time, this picture illustrates this idea well.

Around the corner is an illustration on the theme of church life. The devil does not sleep, save yourself all in the church.

Along the embankment of the river Aura there are old ships, all of them are now converted into cafes and restaurants, on the lawns along the embankment, many citizens had a picnic. Everything is European democratic, if you want - pay and eat, if you want - bring food with you and eat, admiring the same views.

The rocky recess is covered with an iron web.

Turku Castle or Abo Castle

This is a Swedish castle, it began to be built as early as 1280 from the moment the Swedes decided to take over the Finnish territories. The Finnish population in no way prevented the Swedish expansion in those distant times, the national self-consciousness of the Finns had not yet matured to build their own independent state.

Naturally, over the long centuries of its history, the castle was rebuilt many times. Initially, the castle was conceived as a military fortification. It stands at the mouth of the Aura River and has a strategic importance, but in times of peace there was also court life. The castle consists of two parts - the first is an old medieval fortress, and the second is the Renaissance palace chambers.our review of the Viking Line ferries

The combination of modernity and the atmosphere of the Middle Ages attracts tourists to Turku - one of the oldest cities in Finland. The city is located at the confluence of the Aurajoki River into the Archipelago Sea.

The city is so interesting and full of sights that when planning a trip, be sure to make a list of what you want to see in Turku.

Turku old square

You can start sightseeing from the Old Great Square of Turku, formed by four buildings in different styles: Old Town Hall, Hjeltin, Juslenius and Brinkall houses. The square hosts medieval costumed performances, various holidays, exhibitions and concerts.

Turku Castle

Turku Castle was rebuilt several times during its history and turned from a medieval fortress into a residential palace in the Renaissance style. Now the castle houses a historical museum, the permanent exhibition of which includes almost a thousand treasures of the Turku castle. Its 16th century exhibition introduces everyday life in the castle, other parts of the exhibition show the castle as defensive structure and as a transit point for trade. There is even a miniature model of the castle during the lifetime of Governor-General Peter Braga, which allows you to look into the halls of the castle, kitchens, pantries and even a sauna from the 17th century.

Cathedral

The ancient Lutheran Cathedral in Turku is the national shrine of Finland, which has been operating since the 15th century. Many public figures are buried here. The museum of the temple exhibits unique collections of medieval costumes, dishes and sculptures made of stone and wood.

Museums in Turku

There are many different museums in Turku.

The Luostarinmäki Crafts Museum occupies 18 blocks under open sky in the center of Turku. More than thirty unique traditional craft workshops and living quarters from the 19th and 20th centuries have been preserved in their original locations. Every year in August, the museum hosts the "Days of Crafts", where craftsmen of various professions take us back 200 years and offer to buy our favorite handicrafts.

In the house of Quenzel, built in the early 18th century, there is a museum-pharmacy, where you can look into the “herb cabinet” and laboratories, look at the old pharmacy props.

Turku Museum of Modern Art and Archeology was founded 8 years ago. Exhibitions of contemporary art offer more than 500 works by Finnish and foreign artists. Archeology exhibition gives a real insight into life medieval city, because located among the authentic ruins of medieval Turku and takes the visitor through the streets of the old quarter.

Turku archipelago

The sights of Turku include the Turku Archipelago, which consists of more than 20 thousand islands. This is an extremely picturesque region where the combination of rocks, trees and water intertwines brightly, unexpectedly and colorfully. Many of the islands are connected by bridges, but some areas of the archipelago can only be reached by ferry across the water.

Mumi Dol park in Turku

In the vicinity of Turku in Naantali is located Dreamland"Mumi Dol" - favorite place children's entertainment. In that mysterious world cute creatures live - the Moomin trolls, descended from the pages of Tove Jansson's books. Performances and performances with the participation of the characters of the valley are held on the territory of the park. Ladders and towns, turrets and swings, the beach - this is all for the pleasure of little visitors.

Water parks in Turku

Aquapark "Karibia" is small, but very cozy, inexpensive and not as crowded as other water parks in Turku. It is stylized in a pirate spirit. For kids there is a small warm pool with a slide. For older children and adults, 8 swimming pools, 3 slides, a lot of jacuzzis and Finnish saunas are offered. You can enjoy spa treatments.

In 2010, the largest water game world in Finland with a huge pool was opened - the JukuPark family water park. There are 16 different heights here. water slides, large heated pools, a sauna, as well as outdoor terraces for relaxing with cozy sun loungers and cafes.

To visit the glorious city of Turku, you will need and

Turku is a Finnish city founded at the beginning of the 13th century. The locality considered one of the oldest in the state. Despite the fact that the local architecture was seriously damaged in the Second world war However, the restoration work was successfully carried out.

Tourists often note that the best time to travel is summer, when you can visit interesting festivals and picturesque nature. At the same time, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy acquaintance with numerous local attractions that amaze with their beauty and history.

The homestead is located only 15 km from Turku, or rather, on a small island. The construction of the main building took place in 1738. It turns out to be unique: a wooden residential building, which has been preserved in a decent condition, despite its age.

Kuusisto Manor was originally built for an infantry regiment colonel working in Turku. The Colonel took care to create an official residence for himself. However, after some time, the residence turned into a full-fledged estate, which has not only residential buildings, but also farming and livestock farming.

In 1977, Kuusisto Manor was recognized as the property of the National Department of Antiquities. After 12 years, excursion activities were officially allowed.

Location: Linnanrauniontie - 577.

The Botanical Garden has existed since 1924. The main purpose of its creation and further work is to assist in the research and teaching activities of the Faculty of Biology of the University of Turku. At the same time, the garden is open to visitors who can see thousands of plants from different climatic zones.

Excursions in botanical garden are regularly held for schoolchildren, students, teachers and tourists.

Location: Ruissalon puistotie - 215.

The Quensel House, which is bourgeois, is considered one of the oldest in Turku. Its construction took place around 1700. A museum center dedicated to the pharmacy and the history of the pharmacy business is currently open in the merchant's house. In summer, there is also a cozy cafe and a herbal shop.

Visitors can appreciate the unique interiors, made in the Rococo style and surprising with their bourgeois performance. The decoration allows you to understand how the master's dwellings were created and equipped in the era when Finland was under the rule of Sweden.

Location: Läntinen Rantakatu - 13.

Kultaranta is the summer residence of the President of Finland, located on the rock of one of the islands of the archipelago, which is included in Turku. The output of the residence is aimed at The Gulf of Finland, thanks to which there is an approach to the picturesque and unique Scandinavian nature.

The unique house was built in 1916 for Alfred Cordeli, who was one of the richest people in the country. The ensemble surprises with the manifestation of the best principles of the style of Finnish realism. After the death of Alfred Cordeli, the estate of Kultaranta was transferred public authorities, and this significant event took place in 1922. Back then, the government decided to use the chic building as summer residence president.

The number of rooms is 19. On the lower floor there are living and holiday rooms, on the upper floor there are places for guests. Marble steps lead to the tower, and on the main platform you can enjoy the panorama park complex. Unfortunately, the situation was not preserved, as most pieces of furniture had to be auctioned off.

Location: Kordelininkatu - 1.

The Kurjenrahka National Park is a unique site where virgin and truly beautiful forests. protected area It is famous for its marshland, which to this day remains difficult to pass. It was the difficulties with overcoming the territory that made it possible to preserve valuable forests.

The park complex is rich in flora and fauna. At the same time, the main inhabitants are the Eurasian lynx, brown bears, wolves, wading birds.

Benkstar lighthouse is one of the most interesting sights located near Turku. You can get here by boat, which is really easy. Subsequently, tourists must overcome 252 steps, after which they will definitely get to the platform from which a picturesque panorama opens.

The construction of the lighthouse was successfully completed in 1906. During the Second World War, the object was seriously damaged, but in the early 1990s, it was still possible to carry out a full-fledged reconstruction. Today, the lighthouse is a functioning facility and a well-known landmark. There is a small hotel, a sauna, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

The Luostarinmäki Crafts Museum is considered unique. The complex represents buildings and houses where artisans lived and worked in the 19th-20th centuries. The museum center is located in Turku right under the open sky, and its activities started at the end of June 1940.

The museum is divided into 18 quarters, each of which has authentic wooden residential buildings and craft workshops. Thus, it becomes possible to understand the life and work, the customs of local artisans.

The museum has its own shop where you can buy handicrafts and unique sweets prepared according to old recipes.

Location: Vartiovuorenkatu - 2.

The Old Square is a historical place in Turku. Since the 13th century, administrative and commercial buildings have been located on this square, influencing the development of all of Finland. It should be noted that it was Turku that previously had the status of the capital.

The Old Square consists of several architectural monuments, among which is the Old Town Hall. Nowadays, here you can not only admire the unique sights, but also witness theatrical representatives, exhibitions, master classes.

Location: Vanha Suurtori - 3.

The Church of St. Alexandra is an Orthodox church in the Finnish city of Turku. The church is considered an architectural monument.

In 1837, the architect Karl Ludwig Engels presented a draft of the church, the construction of which was even allowed by Emperor Nicholas I. Orthodox church were held in 1839-1844. The consecration took place in 1846 in honor of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra of Rome.

Unique architectural features:

• Implementation of the best principles of the late Empire style.
• The building has the shape of an equal cross.
• The dome is decorated with a lantern with a cross.
• The space under the dome is made in blue and strewn with golden stars.
• The church has a 2-tier iconostasis, which is distinguished by bright characteristic details of the Empire style.
• The bottom row of the iconostasis consists of 9 icons, the top row of 4.

Thus, the church surprises with its outward fulfillment.

Location: Yliopistonkatu - 19.

Ruissalo is small island included in Turku. You can cross the island in just 30 minutes by bus. You can get to the mainland through the bridge, thanks to which Ruissalo and Turku are connected to each other.

Ruissalo Island is a protected area. The island is occupied by a mixed forest. In fact, the entire territory is a unique national park. At the same time, mansions of the 19th-20th centuries were built here. Such unique corner gives the Turk an extra charm.

The Lantinen Rantakatu promenade is a truly beautiful street located in the central part of Turku. The embankment stretches along the Aura River, but at the same time it surprises with the presence of architectural and cultural attractions. Here you can see the former sugar factory, the Main Library of Turku, the city hall building.

It is interesting that life is in full swing here. On the waterfront, fishermen sell fresh fish even from their boats. At the same time, small souvenir stalls are installed along the coast. Many vacationers understand that it is here that you can walk for a long time and with guaranteed pleasure.

The Turku Art Museum is considered one of the largest museum centers where you can see a valuable collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures by Finnish and foreign masters. Exhibitions dedicated to different time periods are held here. Due to the complete representation of the artistic and graphic world, it is possible to understand how important the local center is.

Location: Aurakatu - 26.

national park coastal islands is considered one of the largest and most important nature reserves of national and world importance. The park has existed since 1983, and it includes several thousand islets and small rocks. protected area surprises natural objects rich in flora and fauna.

The Aboa Vetus Museum was originally the palace of a former tobacco manufacturer. It was assumed that the building would be used for a museum of modern art. However, scientists have made an amazing discovery, as a result of which tourists can see exhibits dedicated to the early Middle Ages.

However, tourists and locals still can appreciate the amazing association of museums. So, in the Ars Nova hall you can still see over 500 exhibits dedicated to contemporary art.

The rich exposition leaves only the most best experience About Me.

Location: Itäinen Rantakatu 4-6.

Abo Castle is an ancient fortress located in the Finnish city of Turku. This attraction belongs to the most unusual and ancient castles Finland. Castle complex played a very important role in the history of European countries, including Sweden. In addition, the construction of the facility was started at a time when Finland belonged to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Initially, it was assumed that a fortified camp was to be built on this site. However, hostilities and changed rules of the time led to the fact that the castles ceased to be powerful and significant, as a result of which they were used as prisons and storage facilities. Despite these trends, the unique character still managed to be preserved.

The castle began to acquire modern look only during the reign of Gustav I Vasa. Today the attraction is a unique monument history of Finland. The castle chapel is popular with honeymooners. The amazing atmosphere of this place becomes available to everyone.

Location: Linnankatu - 80.

The sailboat "Finnish Swan" was built in 1902. It is a valuable part of the series cargo ships funded by the French authorities. The sailboat was used for cargo transportation between Europe and America, Australia. Subsequently, the ship was bought by the German authorities, but the Finnish state nevertheless acquired valuable object as training ship for his navy.

In 1991, the Finnish Swan was handed over to Turku, since it was here that ship repairs were carried out. The Marinum Foundation is now responsible for the upkeep and successful operation of the ship's museum, which is only open to the public during the summer.

Location: Linnankatu - 72.

Turku Cathedral is the main Lutheran church in Finland, located right on the banks of the Aurajoki River. For three centuries the cathedral was Catholic.

Construction began at the end of the 13th century. However, the religious object was periodically completed in the XIV-XVII centuries. There is evidence that fragments of medieval masonry have been preserved, despite a terrible fire in the middle of the 19th century.

Residents of Turku revere the local cathedral. The ringing of its bells is broadcast even on radio stations, and it is from this bell ringing that Christmas festivities always begin.

A small museum has been opened at the church, telling about the long history of the Cathedral. Wooden and stone sculptures, clothes and utensils are stored here. The exposition promises to be truly interesting for visitors.

Location: Tuomiokirkonkatu - 1.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Every year more and more tourists turn their inquisitive eyes to the North, towards the Scandinavian countries, in order to enjoy the diversity of charming nature, admire the impeccable cleanliness of cities, try, without worrying about their health, environmentally friendly natural products, which the Scandinavians are simply obsessed with. ! All this can be done in magical Finland, in the glorious city of Turku. This city, for many centuries, was the capital of the country, and only in the 19th century, by decree of the Russian Tsar, lost this status. Of course, it is best to go to Turku in the summer in order to enjoy the local attractions for as long as possible, which are proud not only of the townspeople, but also of the entire country.

Cathedral of Turku

It's incredibly majestic place of worship is located in the northern part of Turku, at the address: Finland, Turku, Rothoviuksenkatu 2. The temple was built for almost one hundred and fifty years. Some of its parts date back to the 12th century, since the church began to be built on the basis of a wooden chapel. architectural styles buildings were constantly modified due to the fact that the church authorities sought to keep up with the times. The church took its final appearance after a grandiose fire in 1827 and the subsequent general reconstruction. Oddly enough, but during the Second World War, the temple was practically not damaged, although active hostilities took place on the territory of the city.

Over the centuries, the cathedral has been the tomb of various figures, including religious ones, as well as monarchs. Today, this Lutheran church is considered main church In Finland, something like the Kremlin chimes, on Christmas Eve the bells of the temple solemnly beat twelve times, and only after that the most revered holiday - Christmas - comes all over the country.

If you wish, you can visit the museum located at the temple. Here, among the exhibits, you can see all kinds of church utensils, ancient clothes, ceramics, all kinds of sculptures. The entrance to the temple is free, there are no restrictions, the only wish is not to take pictures during the service.

Turku Castle

This ancient fortification dates back to the 13th century. As conceived by the architect, there should have been simple and uncomplicated fortifications, which eventually turned into a solid castle, of quite impressive size, built of gray stone. The walls of the fortress were silent witnesses of most of the historical events in the history of the Scandinavian countries. In the 16th century, during the reign of Duke Johan and Katharina, the castle gained a second life. It was at this time that another floor (fifth) was completed, in a luxurious Renaissance style, where the chambers of the royal couple were actually located.

Today, the city castle is the most visited attraction in the country, since all its areas are given over to a museum, the exhibits of which depict everyday life at the royal court during the Renaissance. By paying 7 euros for an entrance ticket for an adult visitor (children under 7 years old - free of charge) you can visit the gloomy prison cell in which King Eric XIV was kept. The castle is considered to be cultural center cities where all kinds of exhibitions, concerts of visiting celebrities, theatrical performances of the world's leading theaters are held.

Helpful answer?

Turku is a port city in Finland.

By the way, this is not a town, but a city, the fifth largest in the country. And one of the oldest, because it was founded in the 13th century. From Helsinki to Turku about 170 km. By the way, for some time Turku was the capital. Tourists love to come to Turku around Christmas, because a large number of cultural events are held here and the city is simply bursting with celebration and a fairy tale. Turku is rich in historical sights. And a little more about them.

Turku Castle

The gray stone castle was built in the 13th century. The castle looked at its best in the middle of the 16th century, when chic Renaissance-style halls were built on its territory. There was also a prison in the castle, and here you can admire a rich collection of medieval sculptures ... made of wood. In the attic of the building there is an exhibition hall where objects of decorative and applied art, glass and porcelain ware are stored.

The Turku Historical Museum also operates at the castle. It includes rooms in the styles of different eras, collections of coins and medals, and much more. Also in the castle are thematic exhibitions, mainly in honor of significant dates and events. There is also a souvenir shop in the castle.

Schedule: Tue–Sun from 10:00 to 18:00.

Address: 80, Linnankatu

Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

The museum is located in the Old Town and is an open-air museum. The houses here are very old, some about 200 years old. There are 18 small buildings in total. By the way, this is practically the only part of the city that survived after a terrible shaking in the 27th year of the 19th century. The museum was opened in 1940. It is open all year round, but it is most interesting to come here in the summer, as artisans work in the museum, and their goods can also be purchased (pottery, fabrics, paintings). On the third weekend of summer, the museum hosts a week of crafts, I guess you can imagine what it is.

Schedule: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00–16.00

Address: Vårdbergsgatan 2

Forum Marinum (Forum Marinum)

This is a national museum that tells about the merchant shipping and naval history of Finland, which has been operating since 1977. Both young and old ships, which are already over 100 years old, are exhibited here. Plus maps, layouts, blueprints, interactive gizmos.

Schedule: from September 1 to April 30, Tue-Sun. from 11.00 to 18.00; from May 1 to September 30, from 11.00 to 19.00 daily

Address: Linnankatu 72

Turku Art Museum

This museum is located in the castle of 1904, which in itself is very beautiful. A large collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures by local and foreign masters is exhibited in the fly. Moreover, many of the works are very old.

Schedule: Tue-Fri. from 11.00 to 19.00, Sat-Sun. from 11.00 to 17.00

Address: Aurakatu 26

Pharmacy Museum and the Qwensel House

In this museum, you will learn about the history of the pharmacy and pharmacy business in the early 19th century.
The Quensel House, on the other hand, keeps household items and furnishings from the early 18th century. So, the rooms of the house in the Rococo style are a perfect example of what was fashionable among the rich stratum of society in those days when Finland was ruled by Sweden. In summer, there is a cafe and a herbal shop.

Schedule: Mon.-Tue., Thu.Sun. 10:00-18:00, Wednesday 10:00-20:00

Address: 13, Lantinen Rantakatu

Turku Cathedral

This is the country's main Lutheran church and one of the oldest historical monuments. The patrons of the temple are the first Finnish bishop St. Henrik and St. Virgin Mary. Until the end of the 18th century, there was a cemetery next to the temple. Also at the temple there is a museum where you can admire historical exhibits, and items related to church life (including specifically with this church) are areas, moreover, from the 14th century. There are various icons, statues and so on. One of the most interesting items in the collection is the ablution bowl.

Schedule: every day from 9:00 to 19:00 (from April to September - until 20:00), except for hours of individual events

Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 1

Manor Vanhalinna (Liedon Vanhalinna)

Liedon Vanhalinna is a manor that got its name in honor of the fortress that was previously located on this site, built in the 11th century. In general, the estate stands in the whole museum complex on the territory of 80 hectares. There are 13 buildings in total in the ensemble, and this is very beautiful place, next to the hand, 15 minutes drive from Turku. The manor was built at the beginning of the last century. The style of the building is classical. Inside is a museum that contains archaeological finds, including those dating back to BC. In this museum, you will learn more about the Viking traditions, look at their burials, and so on. Also in the museum you can admire the collections of Finnish folklore and weapons. A separate collection tells specifically about this building and its owner, Mauno Vanhalinna. He had a great hobby, collecting firearms, so this comrade was meant by separate commissions. In the 56th year, Mauno donated his estate to the city university, which turned it into a museum.

Address: Vanha Harkatie 111, Vanhalinna

Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art

The Museum of Modern Art is located in the center of Turku. Here are exhibited collections of works by the master Väinö Aaltonen: his sculptures, paintings, engravings and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art by Finnish masters and foreign artists. The museum building was built according to the drawings of the artist's son and daughter-in-law, and Väinö was in charge of the interior. The museum has been operating since 1967.

Schedule: during the winter season Tue-Sun. from 11.00 to 19.00, at summer season Mon-Sun from 11.00 to 19.00

Address: Itäinen Rantakatu 38

Cultural Center of Harkko

At this center, there is Art Museum, archaeological hall and theater. The first part contains about 3,000 art objects from Finland, Estonia and Russia. In the second part - archaeological finds of this region. The theater is mostly open in winter.

Turku is the oldest city in Finland. IN historical documents the first mention of it as a city dates back to 1229. During the period of Swedish rule, the city was administrative center Finland.

Turku city in Finland

Story

The area of ​​the city is 306 sq. kilometers, a population of more than 180,000 inhabitants. The city has a significant Swede population and has a Swedish university. Turku is a port and a significant center of shipbuilding. Near its shores, the sea freezes late, the harbor is better than others protected from the winds by numerous islands and skerries, as a result of which the port of Turku has become one of the few that operate even in winter.

Turku is the capital of the province of Western Finland and the center of the country's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The bishop of Turku is the archbishop of all of Finland.

Turku is rich in ancient monuments. This city is located on gentle hills on both banks of the Aurijoki River, at its mouth. Of the monuments of the distant past that have survived to this day, it is interesting old castle- the former residence of the Swedish kings. The oldest part of the fortress was built in the 1280s. It was main fortress Finland throughout the entire period of the Swedish rule.

The fortress was built for Carolus Gustav, the first prefect (governor) of Finland. His appointment as prefect in the same year played an important role for Turku and the whole country. Under him, for the first time, the name "Finland" began to be officially used to designate territories to the east of Sweden.

The Turku fortress experienced the most turbulent period in the 16th century: in 1556-1563 it was the residence of Johan Herttu, who later became the King of Sweden, and his wife, the Pole Katharina Jagiellonica. More than 600 people served at the court at that time. Of the nine sieges, six occurred in the 1500s. The last siege in 1599 had a bloody outcome: the enraged Duke Charles executed more than twenty of his defeated opponents in front of the city hall of Turku.

The fortress was built of gray granite; due to a number of architectural mistakes, it lost its significance as a military bastion. Too cramped artillery rooms and narrow embrasures made it impossible to fire from powerful guns of that time. As a result, artillery cellars and cannon decks were turned into rooms for the nobility, and narrow embrasures were replaced by large windows.

In the 20th century, the fortress was restored to its medieval appearance. The fortress consists of two architectural complexes- the economic part and the fortress itself. In the economic part there is a historical museum of Turku.

After a major fire in 1827, during which almost the entire city burned down, only the area on the Luostarinmäki (Monastyrska) mountain remained. Now here the appearance of the old wooden city, there is a crafts museum where you can visit existing craft workshops, get acquainted with ancient customs, living conditions in old Turku.

The museum has a whole quarter of the old part of the city, here 18 houses and workshops of a shoemaker, a tailor, and other artisans dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries have been preserved intact. These are houses built before the fire in Turku in 1827, and miraculously survived. The museum complex gives a vivid picture of urban life in the ancient capital of Finland. This is one of the significant historical monuments of urban culture in Northern Europe.

The museum is open daily from 10.00 to 15.00, in summer until 18.00.

The museum is dedicated to the activities of Väine Aaltonen, a famous Finnish sculptor of the early and mid-20th century, and is located at Itäinen Rantakatu 38.

Väine Aaltonen lived and worked in this city. One of his most famous works is the bronze monument to the legendary Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi near the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. Ayaltonen was not only a sculptor, but also an artist. In the 30s of the XX century, he painted the altar of the church in Kaarina, painted many portraits. In 1940 he was awarded the title of professor of arts.

This museum consists of two complexes. Aboa Vetus is an archeological and historical museum presenting ancient Turku. Medieval vaults, cellars and roads found at a depth of 7 meters during the reconstruction of the Retting family palace. Everything is preserved and conserved in the form in which it existed for centuries.

Ars Nova is a museum of contemporary art, which presents the works of artists of the 20th century. The museum's collection includes more than 300 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures. Among the works there are works by Pablo Picasso.

Another valuable monument of the Middle Ages - Cathedral- the national sanctuary of the country. Its oldest parts were built in the 1230s-1260s on the site where the first parish church of Turku, built in the 12th century, stood.

Despite the fact that fires over the centuries destroyed a significant part of the medieval utensils, numerous chapels and graves of famous people in the history of the country have been preserved in the church. In the choirs of the church there is a museum of the cathedral, which contains valuable wooden sculptures, church utensils and fabrics.

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It is located on the Aura River, 83 km from high seas. It has 4 km of berths, a large number of lifting electric cranes, specialized oil and timber harbor. Today Turku is industrial center, a major transportation hub. There are many factories and factories in the city, especially shipyards.

City of the first university

Turku is considered the "cradle of Finnish culture"; here in 1640 the first university of Finland was founded. Now Turku is a lively university city with a rich cultural tradition.

Today, there are two private universities in Turku. In one of them, teaching is conducted in Swedish, in the other - in Finnish.

The Swedish University owns a vast courtyard. The courtyard is built up with old stone houses, the same age as the wooden huts on the Museum Island in Helsinki. The library has a pleasant smell of antique books. Books of Russian origin are in great demand at the university. For this reason, the calendar stopped at 1918. Since then, only the books of Russian emigrants have got into the book depository of the university.

On the walls of the village (assembly hall) are portraits of prominent people from Sweden and Finland. Philosophy and theology are held in high esteem here. The city hosts concerts and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Trade

The market square and its surroundings are the heart of the city. At market square there are large department stores and many small shops where tourists can buy goods without tax (tax-free). Many shops are located on the University Street - Yliopistokatu.