Sightseeing in Turku - what to see. Complete travel guide

One of the oldest cities in Finland, this is a major cultural and economic center. To the service of guests are numerous entertainments, the choice of which is striking. Here people can attend restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities, beautiful parks, exciting excursions, museums and other cultural programs.

The local cathedral is the oldest building in the city. This is also one of the main shrines of the country. This beautiful building is made in the early Gothic period and it strikes visitors with elegance of forms and beauty. A part of the shrine has been converted into a historical museum, all exhibits of which are directly related to the history of the cathedral. A visit to a medieval castle situated on the bank of the Aura River is also one of the most popular excursions. The fortress has survived after many assaults and sieges. In 1941 a full reconstruction was finally carried out. Today this architectural complex provides visitors with stories about the times of knights fighting. Beautiful tournaments and festivals take place here from time to time.

Turku is also the birthplace of the famous musician and composer Jean Sibelius. One of the museums of the city was named in his honor. In this museum you can see a collection of antique musical instruments, which total number is slightly less than four hundreds. The city’s downtown is also very interesting place. Here are located Old Great Square, which is surrounded by four magnificent buildings - Old Town House, Hjeltin House, Brinkkala Palace and Juselius House. The square hosts various music concerts, theatrical performances, festivals and art exhibitions almost every day. On weekends the square is given to merchants, so you can buy souvenirs and crafts here. Lovers of maritime history should not forget to visit Suomen Joutsen frigate, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to shipbuilding. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Somero Society Open-Air Museum is the most interesting cultural institution. It is actually a set of old buildings. Each one presents a great thematic exposition. There is a building that contains a collection of pieces dedicated to crafts, as well as an old school with the carefully reconstituted environment of past years. The museum holds a collection of ceramics and pottery. Most of the exhibits belong to the 19th century.

Lovers of unusual entertainment like trips to the old Benkstar lighthouse, which is located on the territory of the island with a similar name. The height of the lighthouse is 52 meters. It was built in 1906 and remains the highest one in Finland. After a recent reconstruction, the old lighthouse was converted into a tourist complex. There operate a small hotel and a restaurant. There are a museum and a gift shop. At the top of the lighthouse is a viewing platform. You must overcome 252 steps to get there.

The University Botanical Garden remains among the most visited attractions of Turku, as well. It was founded in 1924. However, it occupies its current location since 1956. Currently, the area of the botanical garden is about 24 hectares. There are more than 5000 plants on its territory brought from all over the world. In 1998, new greenhouses were built there, as well, so it can now be visited at any time of the year.

The Luostarinmäki Crafts Museum is in a way a unique cultural center. Its main feature is a location in a complex of wooden historic buildings. All of them were built at the turn of the 19th and 20 century. A hundred years ago, craft workshops were really located in these buildings. The opening of the museum took place in 1940. Nowadays, it has 18 blocks with genuine historic houses. In each building, they restored the atmosphere of previous years. Not only crafts, but different household items are stored there. The amazing museum is the owner of a number of prestigious awards. During the warm season, interesting cultural events are held on its territory. Tourists will discover an excellent souvenir shop, where they can purchase handicrafts from local craftsmen and popular candy.