The historical capital of Finland and the home of the Moomins

The streets of Turku bear the marks of life from the Middle Ages to the present day. The buildings aligning the streets represent the styles and ideals of various eras, and the town’s proud history is tangible in places.

Turku Castle is one of Finland’s national treasures. The sturdy castle, built of grey stone, whose oldest sections were built in the 1280s, has stood witness to many of the significant events in Finnish history. The castle’s heyday occurred in mid-16th century at the time of Duke Johan and Katariina Jagellonica. The castle’s Renaissance Suite also dates back to this time.

The past is authentically present in the Rettig Palace, whose renovation revealed a mediaeval town block seven metres below ground level. The block, Aboa Vetus, was dug out from underground and conserved, and museum visitors may now walk its streets and look into houses that have been empty for centuries. The Ars Nova museum of contemporary art next to Aboa Vetus presents a dramatic contrast to the genuine mediaeval village. The standing exhibition of Ars Nova showcases a comprehensive collection of 20th century artworks. Half of the museum premises is reserved for changing exhibitions.


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The city of Turku

Turku Region