Product Description
Helsinki became the capital of the Grand Duke of Finland in 1809 after the Russian Empire won the Swedish-Russian War. At that time, the previous administrative centre was Turku, a city on the west side occupied by Swedish families which the Empire had no interest in keeping it. With this, they transferred it to Helsinki, a small fishing village on the southeastern side without much to offer. However, it had a fortress under construction, a few kilometres away from the coast.
Suomenlinna had a strategical location, right at the entrance to Helsinki’s Bay, between Tallinn – which today is the capital of Estonia and also belonged to the Empire – and St. Petersburg, capital of the Russian Empire by that time. A perfect location to protect themselves from possible attacks and away from their rivals, the Swedes. Helsinki remained the capital of Finland after independence and is one of the most important cities in the country. It is where history sits, mixing urban life with nature.
Our tour starts at the top of the stairs at Senate Square. Just on front of the most iconic landmark, the Helsinki Cathedral also known as White Church. It was built by the Russian Empire and from the top, you will have an amazing view of all the square. This is where Helsinki, as it is today, was born. I will walk you through history, sharing all the details from the surrounding buildings, such as the National Library, the University of Helsinki and the Governments Palace where our Prime Minister works. You will also get to see the interior of the White Church and its amazing simplicity. We will follow by passing through Torikorttelit, a compound with historical buildings and that used to be the merchants home.
Once at the Market Square, we will see the Old Market Hall, the City Hall, the Presidential Palace and the Uspenski Orthodoxal Cathedral. Here, you will also have a highlight of cultural aspects while seeing the stalls, the SkyWheel, the Alas Pools, a part of an incredible view of the Baltic Sea and of Suomenlinna from far away!
Come Walk With Me, I’ll be happy to share Helsinki with you ❤️
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