Turku's Architectural Jewels (Self Guided), Turku

Turku Orthodox Church, or the Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra, is the main church of the Turku Orthodox parish located on the northeast corner of Turku Market Square in Turku, Finland.

The church was built under the order of Nicholas I of Russia in 1838 and designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Construction of the Neoclassical church began in 1839 and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on September 2, 1846.

Turku Orthodox Church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian, Roman Emperor. She had publicly become Christianised and suffered a martyr's death. It is thought, she was chosen as the patron saint since Nicholas I's wife was named Aleksandra.

The church was built in the late Empire architectural style, in the shape of an equal-armed cross. The exterior consists of Doric porticoes with four columns. The dome is crowned with a cross lantern. The total height of the church is 102 feet.

The interior of the church features 16 composite columns made of artificial marble. The walls are white, while the space under the dome is blue and studded with golden stars. The church has a two-story iconostasis. The bottom row consists of nine icons, and the top - of the four. Most of the icons came from Valaam Monastery located in the Russia's Karelia region.

The religious services are held in Finnish and once a month in the Church Slavonic language. The Turku Orthodox Church building is protected as an architectural monument of state importance.

Abo Swedish Theatre in Turku holds the prestigious title of being the oldest theatre in the country, with its origins dating back to 1839. This Swedish-speaking theatre, nestled in the heart of Turku, is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, particularly from its era as part of Sweden. The theatre building itself, a marvel of 19th-century architecture, has been in continuous operation since its opening, making it Finland's oldest functioning theatre house. The theatre is renowned for its elegant theatre hall, which exudes the charm and glamour of the 19th century.

Throughout its history, Abo Swedish Theatre has hosted an impressive range of performances, from plays and musicals to music theatre, attracting both local and international talent. During its early years, the theatre relied on traveling theatre companies from Sweden, such as the Stenborg Troupe and Carl Seuerling’s company, which performed in Finland during the 18th century. The theatre truly flourished after the destruction of the earlier Bonuviers Teater in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, leading to the construction of the present building in 1839.

Notable figures in the theatre’s early history include Ulrik Torsslow’s company and concert singers like Betty Boije, who graced its stage in the same year the theatre opened. Later, famed Swedish performers like Johanna von Schoultz and Jenny Lind held concerts at the theatre in the 1840s. The theatre was a key venue for traveling Swedish theatre troupes until 1894 when it finally hosted its first permanent native Finnish ensemble.

Today, Abo Swedish Theatre boasts three distinct stages: Stora Scenen, with a seating capacity of 365, Studioscenen with 136 seats, and the more intimate Tiljan-scene, accommodating up to 100 guests. The theatre continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural activities, blending historical significance with contemporary performances.

The Turku Old Market Hall is a shopping hall that opened in 1896 in Turku. It holds approximately 40 merchants.

The shopping hall was designed by Gustaf Nystrom, an architect who specialized in shopping malls. It is the second-oldest market hall in the country. It was built to bring market trading indoors, which the city thought would help merchants and their customers avoid physical fights and horse traffic.

The hall had space for 151 shops when it was newly constructed. The first cafe opened there in 1902. Some 70 years later, the Old Market Hall underwent a massive remodel to update cooling and heating systems. Another renovation in 2013 transformed the interior into up-to-date shops and a food court.

Consumers may purchase bread, dairy, meat, fish, handicrafts, flowers, toys, clothes, or jewelry. Cheeses, teas, and spices are popular items with tourists who want to save a sample of Finnish cuisine.

Brewery Restaurant Koulu (Panimoravintola Koulu) in Turku stands as Finland’s largest brewery restaurant, blending the charm of an old-school building with a passion for craft beer, cider, and fine dining. Housed in a historical building completed in 1889, the venue offers a unique atmosphere filled with original school props, such as old desks and teaching materials, lending a nostalgic charm to its spacious interiors.

With room for over 700 customers across two floors, the brewery restaurant is not just a spot for enjoying locally brewed beer and cider—either straight from the tap or to take home—but also a hub for events. Its vast courtyard terrace transforms into a popular summer oasis in the heart of the city. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink in the Brewery Pub, a meal in the Library, or a full three-course dinner, Brewery Restaurant Koulu caters to various moods and occasions.

On weekdays, guests can watch the beer master brew in the Pub. The venue offers beer and cider tastings, along with training sessions. It's a top choice for group events, corporate meetings, and private celebrations, with space for up to 1,500 guests. Customizable packages for meetings, buffets, and dinner with dancing make it ideal for any occasion.

Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Koulu is privately owned by four gentlemen, who have shaped the venue’s laid-back vibe, making it a favorite among regulars. The restaurant is also recognized for its diverse menu, wide selection of premium whiskies, and, of course, its award-winning beers and ciders. Whether you’re there to enjoy a meal, host an event, or just relax with a drink, Brewery Restaurant Koulu offers a welcoming space where history, taste, and local charm come together.

The Turku City Office, located in the heart of Turku, plays a crucial role in the city's administrative framework. Supervised by the Mayor, this office is responsible for preparing and implementing decisions made by the City Council and City Board, ensuring the smooth functioning of the city’s governance. It assists the Mayor in managing administration, finances, and personnel matters while also supporting the Deputy Mayors in their duties. Additionally, the office handles centralized services as directed by the City Board.

Historically, the City Office was housed in a stunning Art Nouveau-style building completed in 1909. Originally constructed as an apartment building, it was located by the Aura River and remained the office’s home until the end of 2011. This architectural gem, a prominent example of the international Art Nouveau movement, became a notable attraction for its captivating design. After its sale to investors, the building was restored to its original residential purpose, but it still stands as a symbol of Turku’s rich architectural heritage.

The former Turku City Office building, on the west side of the Aura River, exemplifies functionalist architecture with its clean lines, minimalist design, and practical layout. This early 20th-century structure once served as a central hub for the city’s municipal operations, reflecting the city's administrative evolution. Although it no longer functions as the city’s main office, it remains a significant landmark and offers visitors insight into Turku’s civic history and architectural development.

Turku City Hall is a Neo-Renaissance building located on the banks of the Aura River in Turku, where the City Council of Turku holds its meetings. Originally designed by Charles Bassi between 1810 and 1811 as the restaurant Seurahuone, the building remarkably survived the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. It underwent a major transformation between 1879 and 1883 when it was redesigned by Frans A. Sjostrom to serve as the city hall.

The building’s first floor once housed the Turku register office until 1975 and the district court until 1997. Following the court's move to a new location, the space was converted into offices and meeting rooms in 1999. The second floor boasts ornate gold decorations and massive crystal fixtures. The wing at Aurakatu 4 contains rooms for city council groups and travel agency services.

While the public can access the building during specific events like Turku Day, they can also witness the city council’s assemblies during open sessions.

The Verdand House (Verdandihuset) is a New Renaissance building designed by Turku architect Frithiof Strandell.

The building, which was completed in 1898, was originally intended to function primarily as a residential building for wealthier bourgeois families, is today somewhat of a center for the Finnish Swedes in the city. The Swedish Club in Turku conducts its business in the attic of the building and Finland's oldest still published newspaper Turku Underrättelser has its office on the third floor of the building.

Conveniently located in the city centre's historical surroundings, Café Fontana is hugely popular among both locals and tourists. This lovely café, located on the building ground floor, offers its visitors delicious, in-house baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, muffins and croissants, which are served with freshly ground coffee sauce. The menu also includes fresh salads, tasty pastas and other yummy dishes. Café Fontana is a great place in which to have lunch on the terrace and experience the busy city life.

The Cathedral School of Abo, located in Turku's Old Great Square, is the Swedish-language upper secondary school in the city. It is regarded as Finland's oldest institution of learning, with roots tracing back to 1276. Initially established to educate boys destined for the Church, the school’s original building was within the walls of the Turku Cathedral. Notably, Mikael Agricola, who is credited with founding Finnish literature, served as headmaster from 1539 to 1548.

When the Royal Academy of Turku, now the University of Helsinki, was founded in 1640, the senior part of the Cathedral School became part of the new university, while the junior levels evolved into a "trivial school." Turku Cathedral School graduates were automatically eligible for admission to the Royal Academy.

After the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, the current schoolhouse was built. By 1830, Turku also established a gymnasium, a higher secondary school, which led the Cathedral School to become a preparatory institution. Reflecting this change, it was renamed Higher Elementary School in 1840. In the 1872 education reform, the school merged with the gymnasium to become the Swedish Classical School of Turku.

In the 1970s, further consolidation occurred, and the school was renamed once again to its historical title, the Cathedral School of Abo. Since 1977, it has operated as a three-year upper secondary school following the introduction of the comprehensive school system in Turku.

The Brinkkala Mansion in Turku is a historically significant building, best known for its long-standing tradition of the public declaration of Christmas Peace, which began in 1886 from its balcony, aptly named the Christmas Peace Balcony. This tradition, held every Christmas Eve at noon, traces back to proclamations made since the 14th century when peace was declared "from the doors and windows of the town hall." The balcony itself was added to the facade during renovations between 1884 and 1886, cementing the mansion’s role in this iconic Finnish custom.

The earliest records of the Brinkkala Mansion date to the 16th century, when it served as the townhouse for the owners of Brinkhall Manor in Kakskerta. Over the centuries, the mansion has played several roles: it has functioned as a hotel, a town hall, a home to the Russian Governor General, and even a police station. After the great fire of Turku in 1827, the mansion was renovated to serve as the town hall, marking a new chapter in its history.

In 1998, the mansion underwent significant restoration, with rooms on the second floor and the main staircase being restored to their 1886 appearance. The Magistrate’s Court, one of the most valuable rooms, retains its original chandeliers and furniture, showcasing the historical grandeur of the building.

Today, the Brinkkala Mansion is a space for art galleries and banquet halls, with a cozy coffee house nestled in its courtyard. The mansion also serves as a venue for various events, including the popular Turku Medieval Market, drawing both locals and visitors to its rich historical setting.

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.