Turku, the European Capital of Culture 2011, is one of the largest cities in Finland and was the country's first capital until Helsinki took over in 1812. The city of Turku stands on the banks of the Aura River (Aurajoki) on Finland’s South-West coast and is surrounded by the picturesque Turku Archipelago with its more than 20 000 islands.
Finland’s Medieval Capital
The history of Turku dates back to the late 13th century and the city has several historical attractions. The Turku Castle (Linnankatu 80) was originally founded in the 1280’s, when Finland was still a part of Sweden. The building was expanded and new parts were build especially in the 16th century, and today the castle is a major tourist attraction.
The Turku Cathedral (Tuomiokirkkotori) dates back to the beginning of the 14th century and is a national shrine. The area around the Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori) is well-preserved and surrounded by historical buildings, including the Old Town Hall and the Brinkkala mansion. Much of Turku was destroyed in a fire in 1827 but the Luostarinmäki area escaped the damage, and today this part of the city hosts an outdoor museum with around 30 handicrafts workshops that exhibit the history of the area and its handicrafts industry (Vartiovuorenkatu 2).
Events in Turku 2011
Turku’s year as one of the European Culture Capitals begins with an opening ceremony on 15 January 2011 and a series of events and activities on the same weekend, from 14 to16 January. The main location for events this year is Logomo (Köydenpunojankatu 14), an old engineering workshop that has been converted into a centre for art and culture. Logomo will have events, art exhibitions and music from opera to rock and pop concerts throughout the year.
Turku also hosts several annual music festivals including Ruisrock, one of the oldest rock festivals in Europe, and Down by the Laituri, a popular summer event with a huge amount of concerts and performances around the city.
Turku is Finland’s official Christmas City; the Christmas Peace is declared here every year at midday on the 24th of December according to a 13th century tradition. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there are lots of Christmas-themed events including traditional Christmas markets and the city is decorated beautifully for the season.
Turku Tourist Information
A Turku Touring tourist information centre in Aurankatu 4, in the heart of the city, offers information for visitors and also sells the Turku Card, a visitor card that gets you free or discounted access to many of the main tourist attractions in Turku.
