Hjelt Mansion, Turku

The Hjelt Mansion in Turku stands as a unique architectural gem, being the only surviving stone building in the country that fully embodies the Russian Empire style, specifically the Saint Petersburg Empire style. Constructed in 1830 by sea captain Hjelt on a plot purchased after the devastating Great Fire of Turku in 1827, the mansion features a striking two-story design. The upper floor served as Hjelt's residence, while the ground floor was rented to businesses.

The building's architectural details, such as Ionic columns and temple-like elements, harken back to classical Greek and Roman structures. Over the years, the Hjelt Mansion has seen varied uses. In the 1930s, it was acquired by the City of Turku and housed the local police department. Later, it served as a part of the Turku City Library, with the children's and young adults' section located on the ground floor, while the upper floor hosted the Turku Cultural Centre.

In 1991, the mansion underwent significant renovations, preparing it for new purposes. Today, it houses the Turku City Youth Services and serves as the headquarters for several organizations dedicated to the Baltic Sea region, including Centrum Balticum and the Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission. Officially designated as the "Baltic Sea House" in 2008, the Hjelt Mansion remains a historical and cultural hub in Turku's Old Great Square, preserving its architectural significance while adapting to modern civic functions.