Cultural sightseeing in Finland

Finland is a beautiful northern country, considered the embodiment of Nordic exotics. In a relatively small area, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, there are many ancient castles and fortresses, unique museums, and interesting places that cannot be found anywhere else. The colorful sights of Finland are silent evidence of the history of the amazing land. One of the most distinguishable places is the Senate Square in Helsinki, where all the tourists who come to the country go. The architectural ensemble of the square is represented by buildings in the style of late classicism. The simplicity and laconicism of the buildings give the square a stern and solemn appearance.

The landmark of the place is the magnificent St. Nicholas cathedral with a monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II who initiated the Finnish independence. The square also houses the National Library of Finland and the University building. Another religious establishment popular among guests of the country is the Assumption Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe. This architectural monument is located on the island of Katajanokka in the city of Helsinki. The monumental building strikes tourists with its unique decorative elements and luxurious interior. The cathedral built from red bricks and surrounded by buildings built in the style of Finnish modernism, forms the modern look of the capital of Finland.

The Sveaborg Sea Fortress in Helsinki is one of the main historical sights of the country. Features of Scandinavian construction have been preserved in the architecture of the 18th century building. Samples of Russian artillery guns are of interest. Today there are several museums within the territory of the fortress. The Olafsborg fortress was the first building created as a defensive fortification in case of shelling. The once powerful and fully equipped fortress today is a historical monument and a venue for conducting opera music festivals. The Temppeliaukio Church was opened only half a century ago, but its rooms cut from the rock with walls of untreated natural stone attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The church can boast of excellent acoustics, thanks to which regular organ concerts and musical evenings are hosted regularly in it. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the city of Turku there is the Abo Castle erected in the 13th century. Within the massive walls of gray stone are enclosed magnificent Renaissance rooms, the prison of Eric XIV, a church with a rich collection of medieval wooden sculpture, an exposition of items of decorative and applied art and antique ware. The central part of the castle is occupied by the Historical Museum of Turku which contains evidence of the city’s history, a collection of coins and medals. In the vicinity of the city of Ekenas lies the ruins of the Raseborg palace built in the 14th century. It served as an administrative building and an outpost against the Baltic pirates. The typical medieval structure underwent restoration in the late 19th century. However, it was not possible to restore it. In the ruins of the palace today are held folk festivals, medieval bazaars, concerts and theatrical performances.

In an ancient building on Kaivokatu Street in Helsinki is located the Ateneum Art Museum, which houses the largest collection of masterpieces of Finnish and world art in the country. It was founded in the late 19th century after the Russian Emperor Nicholas II donated the first few canvases to the Association of Finnish Artists. Today the museum unites two departments: “the Athenaeum hall” and the Finnish National Gallery. They contain works of Finnish and foreign painters. The pearl of the exposition is a collection of works by the masters of the “golden age” of Finnish painting. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions of famous contemporary artists. In the city of Rovaniemi on the border of the Arctic Circle, is situated an interesting museum “Arktikum”, which has united several permanent expositions dedicated to the Polar region, and the scientific center for the exploration of the northern latitudes. The Arctic Center provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see the northern lights from the premises of the Polar Theater.