The Finnish city of Turku dates back to the 13th century. It is the oldest city in the country and its first capital. The unique charm of Turku and its surroundings is given by the Aura River, the sea, the archipelago of several thousand islands, as well as the organic interweaving of historical and modern buildings.
The national shrine - the majestic Cathedral, the Old Square, the medieval Abo castle - is among the priceless monuments of architecture. The city is rich in museums and exhibition centers. The most popular are the museum-pharmacy in the Quensel house, museums of music, crafts, navigation, the Biological Museum, a combined complex of archeology and contemporary art. In the summertime you can take a ferry trip to the numerous islands. One of them houses the Moomin Valley, which delights children and adults alike.
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What to see and where to go in Turku?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Abos castle
It is one of the largest buildings of the Middle Ages. It was built as a defensive fortress in 1280. Subsequently, it was rebuilt many times. In the 16th century, it turned into a luxurious Renaissance palace. Today, a historical museum is open on the territory of the castle. Observation towers, prison cells, ducal chambers, as well as ceremonial halls, which are used for special events, are of interest. The chapel of the castle is a popular place for wedding ceremonies.
Old square
The historical part of Turku - Vanha Suutori - is located next to the Cathedral. Known since the 13th century. It houses the Swedish Lyceum, the old mansions of Juselius, Brinkkala and Hjelt, the Abo academy, the old Town Hall, and two squares. The square serves as a venue for fairs, exhibitions, theatrical performances. From the balcony of the Brinkkala house, they traditionally proclaim the "Christmas peace", after which they begin to celebrate Christmas. In July, the Days of the Middle Ages are held here.
Trading area
Popular tourist attraction in the city center. It has been known since the 19th century. Often rebuilt, a number of buildings were demolished in the post-war period to make way for more modern ones. The main objects located on the square today are the Orthodox Church, the Swedish Theater, a hotel, shopping centers, cafes. In the morning, they sell clothes, flowers, agricultural products brought by farmers and private producers from the surrounding regions.
Turku Cathedral
The grandiose Gothic-style temple was erected in 1258, and after 4 decades it was consecrated as a cathedral. Most of the interior was restored in 1830 after a massive fire in Turku. It was then that a 100-meter tower was built, which became the symbol of the city. The ringing of the cathedral bells is heard on the radio every day at noon throughout the country. The church has a museum of the history of church life, where sacred vessels, statues of saints, and a collection of clothes are kept.
St. Michael's Cathedral
Located on a hill in the central part of the city. Magnificent red brick building in the neo-gothic style. The beginning of construction dates back to 1899. The opening and consecration of the temple took place in 1905. The height of the tower with a spire is 77 meters. The hall has a capacity of 1250 parishioners and is often used for concerts and weddings. The organ of the cathedral, after restoration and improvement in 2002, is considered the largest in the country.
Church of St. Alexandra
Built in 1838-1846. as a garrison church for the Russian military. Located on the Trade Square. The building is made in the late Empire style and has the shape of a rotunda decorated with 16 decorative columns. The dome space is represented by a blue sky with gold stars. Later, the bell tower was completed. Today the church is recognized as an architectural monument. Services are held in Finnish and once a month in Church Slavonic.
Swedish theater
Located on the Trade Square. It is considered the oldest in the country. The building was built in 1839. Its own troupe was formed by the end of the 19th century. Has three chamber stages - for 350, 120 and 100 spectators. Specializes in musical performances for adults and children. Several new performances are released every season. In addition, conferences, presentations are held within the walls of the theater, and ceremonial meetings and banquets are held in the restaurant. There are backstage tours.
Art Museum
A majestic granite castle with a glass roof in the romantic style rises above the city on the Puolalanmäki hill, next to the Market Square. It was erected in 1904 and was originally conceived as a building for an art museum. Currently, more than 6,000 works are kept here, including a collection of early and modern Finnish painting, wooden sculptures, graphics, ancient weapons, numismatics, etc. The museum has a souvenir shop and a cozy cafe.
Jan Sibelius Music Museum
The date of foundation is 1928. The only museum of its kind in the country. The modern building was erected in 1968, not far from the Cathedral. Here is a collection of historical musical instruments from around the world. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the life and career of the composer J. Sibelius. The museum funds contain audio recordings, photographic documents, manuscripts, concert programs, collections of music. Creative meetings and concerts are held.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
A fascinating complex that combines a collection of modern art and a history museum. The exhibitions are housed in the mansion of the manufacturer Rettig. Next to it, archaeologists discovered a part of the medieval city, represented today by the ruins of 6 stone houses and a street passing between them. These are fragments of the historic Monastery Quarter, where mainly wealthy merchants and artisans used to live. The excavation continues.
Pharmacy Museum and Quensel House
One of the oldest bourgeois houses was built at the dawn of the 18th century. Its luxurious interiors - expensive parquet, stucco, chandeliers, mirrors - give an idea of the master's dwellings of that time. In one of the premises, a pharmacy from the beginning of the 20th century has been recreated. Here you can see pharmaceutical utensils, furniture, medical instruments, jars of medicines. In the courtyard, visitors are offered pastries, herbal drinks and teas prepared according to old recipes.
Väinö Aaltonen Museum
It opened in 1967 on the Aura embankment. Dedicated to contemporary art and, in particular, to the work of the sculptor V. Aaltonen. The collection of his works, donated to the museum, served as the basis for the first exhibitions. The sculptor personally took part in designing the interior of the museum building. In the foyer there is an aquarium with fish and the largest sculpture of the collection - the Virgin of Finland, 4 meters high. The museum also displays works of art by other contemporary artists.
Luostarinmaki Crafts Museum
It was opened in 1940 and includes 18 blocks of old wooden buildings from the 19th century. These are residential buildings and workshops of Finnish artisans. Their uniqueness is that they were not brought from different regions, but stand where they were originally built. Here you can see the workshop of a potter, carpenter, shoemaker, watchmaker, has its own post office, bakery, printing house. Every summer, the City of Craftsmen hosts a world-class event - Crafts Days.
Forum Marinum
The exhibits of this maritime center introduce visitors to the history of shipbuilding and navigation in Finland.The most interesting objects are old and modern ships moored along the Aura embankment. Among them there is a sailboat, a passenger ship, a corvette, a barque, a police boat, a river ferry, etc. You can climb aboard any of them. Also on the territory of the forum there is a maritime museum, restoration workshops, a restaurant, a souvenir shop.
Indoor market
Located in a historic building of the 19th century - a cultural heritage site. The wooden interior decoration of the market has been preserved. Citizens and tourists come here to buy fresh local produce - bread, vegetables, fish, dairy and meat products. They also sell alcohol, spices, teas, souvenirs. The market is famous for its excellent cooking. Here you can taste dishes of Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, vegetarian cuisine, sweets from the famous Mbakery bakery.
Kupittaa park
One of the oldest and largest parks in Finland. It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century. Located in the city center, area - 24 hectares. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities with the whole family. It includes a summer aqua complex with a swimming pool and slides, a children's amusement park, a car park with velomobiles, sports grounds, stadiums and an indoor gym, sports equipment rental, picnic areas, a pond with birds, a restaurant and a summer cafe.
Botanical Garden of the University of Turku
Located in the suburbs, on the island of Ruissalo. It was founded in 1924. The area is 21 hectares, of which 6 hectares are ornamental, collectible plants. The rest of the territory is oak forests, meadows, artificial reservoirs with water lilies. The greenhouse complex consists of 6 rooms where exotic plants, ferns, evergreen succulents, etc. grow. In general, the garden's collection includes about 6 thousand plant species. Guided tours are available for everyone.
Coastal islands
National Natural Park with an area of 500 km2, consisting of several thousand rock formations and islands. The largest of them are inhabited and have communication with the mainland. The number of permanent residents is about 1000 people. The park was founded in 1983. It is part of the UNESCO nature reserve. Along with the magnificent pristine nature, there are a number of cultural and historical attractions in the park - churches, lighthouses, fragments of fortifications.
The Archipelago Trail
This is a 250 km circular tourist trail that passes through the natural and cultural attractions of the island archipelago. You can go on a trip by car, or by bike and on foot. The route begins in the city of Turku. It passes through villages, nature trails, settlements of Kaarina, Pargas, Nagu, Naantali and others. Includes 8 ferry rides lasting from a few minutes to an hour. The route is open only in summer.
Moomin country (Naantali)
One of the best theme parks in the world. Based on the funny stories of Tove Jansson. Located on a small island in the vicinity of Naantali. Includes a 5-storey Moomin house, a free train, a forest labyrinth, a fairy-tale witch's swamp, a beach, a cafe, a dock with a ship, a theater and other entertainment. Everywhere children are accompanied by fairy tale characters. While the little ones get to know the world of their favorite characters, adults can relax in the gazebos with hammocks.
