Turku

Turku, Finland’s third-largest city, is located on the southwest coast of the country and is considered the oldest city in Finland, although it was badly damaged in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. It was the most important city in the country until Helsinki became the capital in 1812. It is of significant interest to visitors on Finland vacations due to its historical aspects and the natural beauty of its setting. Turku has a number of cultural happenings each year which include the Medieval Market in July and the Turku Music Festival in August featuring chamber music concerts, recitals and jazz. Turku owns the title of the official Christmas City of Finland and was the European Capital of Culture in 2011. It has a distinctly medieval flavor about it evidenced in its market square, riverfront with its cobblestone streets, cathedral and castle. The riverfront comes alive in summer when people come to eat and drink and listen to music. 

Turku Castle is the largest surviving medieval building in Finland and dates back to 1280. It has two dungeons, ornate banquet halls and a historical museum. Turku Cathedral is one of Finland's most important cathedrals and is considered to be the most important religious building in the country. It was originally built of wood in the late 13th century and was badly damaged during the Great Fire, after which it was almost totally rebuilt. 

There are numerous museums in Turku to be enjoyed on Finland vacations. The Turku Art Museum has a collection ranging from historical Finnish art to modern photography. Contained in one building is the Aboa Vetus which tells about the history of the city with its 37,000 excavated artifacts and the Ars Nova, a museum of modern art. The Luostarinmaki is an excellent open-air handicrafts museum and includes 30 workshops involving a silversmith, watchmaker, bakery, pottery, shoemaker, printer and cigar shop. Artisans in period costumes practice their trades in the summer.