Escape to myself

Today was drizzling in Helsinki but I caught the train to Turku where the sun was shining and it was beautifully warm. Shirt sleeve weather. This is the ancient capital of Finland and major city when it was ruled by Sweden. It is the oldest city in Finland but little if the ancient city survived a disastrous fire in 1827. Below by comprised of wooden houses one can see how it was an easy victim to fire. Few old buildings remain although a few 19th century typical wooden buildings remain to give an impression of It’s former state. However it has lots of parks and green spaces and the walk by the river on A sunny day was lovely. A few neo classical and art nouveau buildings Grace the city but much is twentieth century plate glass. It’s a university town. Turku is situated on the coast about 100 miles from Helsinki but as I booked a train to the wrong station in the city I’ve done a fair bit of walking. The journey here took a couple of hours and was uneventful though I did catch sight of a group of common cranes in a field. For the most part it was birch and pine forest and agricultural land. I saw no livestock at all.

Of the two buildings that remain from earlier times the Cathedral is rather beautiful in a plain and imposing style. Standing on a hill near the river it has excellent views.

Turku Cathedral

The Cathedral has suffered by fire too and much of the interior was rebuilt in the 19th century

Turku Castle

The Castle is the oldest building in Finland dating from the 13th century though much of the original structure was burned and the castle you see now is mostly 15th century. Built to defend the city it was the home of Duke John of Finland later king of Sweden and is testimony to Finlands long past of occupation by Baltic states. It is very imposing and situated on the harbour front.

The Castle interior

The Castle has been beautifully restored with an abundance of wood In floors, ceilings and stairs. It has been damaged many times in the past but the exterior structure retains its integrity. The interior is extensive and well maintained.