The country’s oldest city and capital until 1812 are, Turku, located in southwest Finland near the Aurajoki River’s mouth on the Gulf of Bothnia. Turku is situated in the region where the Swedish Vikings’ descendants first arrived in the 12th century with plans to conquer what is now Finland. It is currently the most authentically medieval town in Finland, with eight centuries of history. Still, in addition to its magnificent medieval structures, you can also see examples of Art Nouveau and modern architecture, including the Sibelius Museum, designed by Woldemar Boeckman.
With its row of antique boats, which have been transformed into restaurants, the river serves as the city’s focal point. Locals congregate at night along its banks during the summer.
The commercial district, which includes the magnificent Orthodox Church and Kaupatori (market square) shopping mall, is situated on the northeastern bank of the river. The medieval cathedral, dedicated in 1290, towers over the Old Great Square on the other bank. A large brick church towers over the city in the Late Romanesque style with Gothic and Renaissance embellishments.
Turku Castle, one of Finland’s most precious national treasures and oldest structures, was constructed in the late 1200s during Finland’s Swedish era. It was initially built to protect their province of Eastland, but throughout the following centuries, it served various purposes.