Sights Top Ten
Turku Archipelago
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The Turku archipelago has more than 20000 islands and has been rightfully called the most beautiful archipelago in the world. A unique region of islands and water cannot be described, it has to be experienced! The special quality of the light and sound produces a euphoric feeling of freedom. Some islands are uninhabited, while others are filled with restaurants, hotels and activities. It's easy to cycle from one island to another or take a cruise on a ship, such as a nostalgic steamship or a beautiful old schooner.
This medieval church is a national shrine and was inaugurated in 1300. Turku Cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop St Henrik. The monuments and hundreds of details describe the history of the Finnish people. The Cathedral Museum in the south gallery takes the visitor back in time to the 14 th century. Statuettes of saints and church silver dating back to the Catholic period in the Middle Ages are also on display.
The history of Turku Castle stretches back to the 1280s. The castle's heyday was in the mid 16 th century, during the rule of Duke Johan and Katarina Jagellonica. Today the permanent exhibitions in the bailey illustrate the history and culture of Finland, and Turku in particular. The castle also offers theme exhibitions, concerts and events for children and adults alike. The castle is located right next to the port.
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
The Great Fire of Turku devastated most of the town in 1827, and Luostarinmäki hill was one of the few places to escape unscathed. Today the historical town provides a genuine setting for the Handicrafts Museum. The area comprises some 30 workshops, which illustrate the trades and way of life in the pre-industrial era. Artisans work in the shops during the summer and there are theme weeks and exhibitions as well.
Aboa Vetus - Old Turku. The heart of Aboa Vetus is the ancient ruins of the so called Convent Quarter. The museum's permanent exhibition uses a story and artefacts to take visitors back in time to the Middle Ages. The stone houses, harbour area, traders, soldiers and artisans of the city are presented to visitors in living colour.
Ars Nova - New Art. Ars Nova presents an exciting contrast to old Turku. The 20 th century art collection of the Matti Koivuranta Foundation includes more than 500 works by leading Finnish and international artists. Ars Nova also houses a range of changing exhibitions.
The most important music museum in Finland is named after the best-known Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The museum is beautifully situated on the banks of the rive Aura. The museum building is considered one of the treasures of Finnish modernism and as such is an architectural experience in itself. The permanent Sibelius exhibition presents the life and music of the master himself. Visitors can also see hundreds of interesting instruments from Finland and around the world.
The museum has since 1904 been one of the most influential institutions in the local and national art scene. The internationally acclaimed collection of the museum comprises old masterpieces as well as important contemporary works. Renovated and modernized the museum has been re-opened to the general public.
The museum is the Turku City Art Museum and named after the famous sculptor from Turku. For 40 years this modernist white museum building has been reflected in the river Aura, becoming part of the cultural landscape on the east bank. In its jubilee year the museum presents changing exhibitions, various cultural events, lectures, concerts and theme days for families.
The maritime centre Forum Marinum is located in the centre of Turku by the river Aura. Shipbuilding and ship repair have been carried out in Turku since the Middle Ages. Shipyards have operated in the area since the 18 th century. The many exhibitions highlight the history of seafaring life and maritime trade. In summer, the three-masted barque Sigyn and full-rigger Suomen Joutsen as well as the minelayer Keihässalmi and corvette Karjala are also open for the public.
River Aura banks
The river Aura is where the city began to develop in the 1200s. The river attracted settlement, settlement attracted trade and from trade the port and later the city got started. Today the river is still the heart of Turku. It is the place for walks, sightseeing, dining - just to have a good time. The landmarks of Turku - the castle and the cathedral - are situated by the river. The river Aura houses a fleet of boat restaurants as well as stately museum vessels. The unique river ferry ' Föri' takes people across the river and the bigger ships on longer cruises to Turku archipelago.