Senate square in Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland) - description, history, location, reviews, photo and video.
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The square in the form in which it appears to us now was formed at the beginning of the 19th century. Late classic style architectural structures of this corner of Helsinki gives it a striking resemblance to St. Petersburg. It is not accidental, since the main buildings surrounding the square were designed and built after Finland joined the Russian Empire when a strict and majestic empire reigned in its capital. Almost all the buildings of that time were commissioned by the German architect Karl Ludwig Engel.
Historical digression
After Finland was granted autonomy in 1812, it was decided to move its capital to Helsinki and rebuild it in a new style to enhance the status of the former provincial town. On the main square, the old buildings with the church of St. Eleanor were demolished, and the solemn cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected on a hilly hill.
Construction dragged on for almost 22 years, and the architect Engel never lived to see its completion.
On both sides of the Cathedral, the square was built up in the middle of the 19th century with the buildings of the Senate and the University, then the National Library appeared.
In 1894, a monument to Alexander II was erected in the center of the square, thanks to the reforms of which Finland received autonomy, and the Finnish language was proclaimed the state language. After 1917, when the country gained final independence, the cathedral was renamed, and since 1959 it has become a cathedral.
What to see
The main decoration of the square, the Cathedral with snow-white columns, is crowned with a greenish dome, and in the corners there are 4 turrets, also ending with domes. On the pediments of the porticos facing 4 sides, there are zinc figures of 12 apostles.
From the side of the square, a wide multi-stage staircase leads to the church, but the main entrance is on the left, so the crosses on the domes are turned not to the south, to the viewer, but to the western side.
On the stairs in good weather, locals and numerous tourists like to gather and make appointments. From here opens good review, and on days when concerts or spectacles are organized on the square, the staircase serves as a kind of amphitheater for spectators.
The center of the square is occupied by a bronze statue of Alexander II, dressed in a military uniform. It is set on a granite pedestal surrounded by allegorical figures of Peace, Labor, Light and Law. Since 2005, every day, at exactly 17:49, you can hear how the square “sings”: a composition mixed from bell ringing, the sound of the organ of the Cathedral, and chimes begins to sound. It is best heard at the foot of the monument.
Every day, at exactly 17:49, you can hear how the square “sings”.
In the southern part of the square, the houses of wealthy merchants of the 18th century have been preserved. In one of them, the Sederholm House, the Museum of Merchant Life operates, and exhibitions are also held periodically.
Those who are lucky enough to be on the square on December 13 will be able to watch the beautiful coronation ceremony of the Queen of Light, Lucia, who is chosen from 10 contenders. The queen in a white robe, crowned with burning candles, begins a solemn procession, leaving the cathedral. This celebration goes back to the pagan traditions of the Normans.
Practical Information
Address: Helsinki, Unioninkatu 29.
You can get there by metro to the Kaisaniemi station or by trams No. 1, 1A, 3B, 7A, 7B.
For travelers arriving in Helsinki by train, getting to know the city begins right here - from the Helsinki Railway Station and the square of the same name, which is also called Railway Square or Helsinki Station Square.
The train delivers passengers directly to the heart of Helsinki to the main railway station of the Finnish capital - an architectural monument, a monumental granite building with a clock tower towering over the city and, which have already become one of the symbols of Helsinki, the work of the sculptor Emil Vikstroma(Emil Wikström), giants holding lanterns in their hands.
The station building was designed by the architect Eliel Saarinen(Eliel Saarinen). The opening took place on March 5, 1919, after long and difficult years of that time, during which construction was frozen for several years.
The adjacent area, which got its name - Railway Square, framed in the southern part by the street Kaivokatu (Kaivokatu), on which is located Ateneum Art Museum.
To the right of the museum is built in 1967 Citycenter, called in the common people - sausage house (Makkaratalo), which got its name because of the sausage-shaped element encircling the building.
In the eastern part of the square lies the street Mikonkatu on which is Grand Casino Helsinki, many cafes and restaurants with summer terraces.
On the north side of the street Vilhonkatu on which is located. And in the western part of the square adjoins part of the street Keskuskatu, which in translation into Russian means - central Street. The street Keskuskatu, which runs between Ateneum Art Museum and building Maccaratalo, after many years repair work was rebuilt into a pedestrian street, along which you can walk to the building of one of the oldest department stores in Finland - Stockmann. And further along this street you will exit in the area Swedish theater to the famous Esplanade.
On the square opposite National Theater of Finland set monument- the first professional writer in Finland and the founder of Finnish literature.
It's hard to believe, but early XIX century in place of today Railway Square there was a seabed and this place was called Kluuvinlahti from the Swedish name Gloviken which meant - Gulf of Kluuvi. The name comes from the Swedish word Glo, which in turn meant shallow and overgrown. In Swedish, the word Glo" sounds like " Glu” and, which is typical of the Finnish language, the word was stretched and the letter “G” was softened by the letter “K”. Thus, the modern name of this area of \u200b\u200bthe city came about - Kluuvi. Street name Cluuvikatu also comes from the name of the once former bay here. This area was later filled in.
Today, this place is one of the most important transportation hubs. Short distance trains and intercity trains depart from here, as well as international trains to St. Petersburg and Moscow. Domestic bus routes and routes to satellite towns in Vantaa and Espoo. Under the square there is a metro line and there is a station of the same name - Railway Square.
On the Kaiwokatu, in front of the building Maccaratalo, you can take one of the trams that run on many routes to different parts of the city Helsinki.
In addition to public transport or taxis, you can rent a bicycle at a special parking lot right at the station. There are equipped bike paths in the city center, with the help of which you can easily get acquainted with sights of Helsinki.
Photo of the train station at night: Ofelia de Pablo
Video about Helsinki: Morning awakening. At the hour when the city wakes up, the morning fog dissipates and the rays of the July sun heat the city embankments. A new day begins.
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Today we will talk about the capital of Finland - the city of Helsinki. And also about how to get to the city, what sights to see over the weekend and how to save money on a trip.
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. For almost four hundred years of history, the city, like the whole of Finland, passed either to Russia or to Sweden, until finally, in 1917, Finland achieved independence.
The Finnish name Helsinki (Helsinki) and the Swedish Helsingfors (Helsingfors) are both official names for the city in these two languages.
Now slightly more than 600 thousand people live in Helsinki, and it is also constantly in the top of the best, comfortable, safe, but at the same time the most expensive cities in the world. If you are visiting Helsinki for the first time, then this series of articles should certainly help you.
Sights of Helsinki
Briefly about what you can see in Helsinki in two days, in our three-minute video. Read more detailed story below.
Walking around Helsinki, a Russian tourist can discover the city as an incredibly familiar place, as well as an absolute foreign one. The official languages here are Finnish and Swedish, and it will not be difficult to communicate with the Finns in English. Russian speech is also found, but mainly from tourists (more often from St. Petersburg).
You can start traveling around Helsinki from anywhere! For convenience, I will break our two-day budget trip into several articles: “Sights of Helsinki”, “” and “”.
Länsiterminaali West Terminal
The historic center of Helsinki is located on a peninsula with a heavily indented coastline. From three sides the city is surrounded by the Gulf of Finland, it is not surprising that Helsinki is the largest port in Finland. Helsinki is connected by maritime trade and transport links with Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Poland and Russia. 
People who prefer to travel by private cars can transport their iron horse between countries by ferry. 
The port area of any coastal city will no doubt be on the list of attractions. From the West Terminal there are tram and bus, Bunkkeri stop. 
Monumental and decorative work "Horizon". The project of a metal work was presented by professor, designer Hannu Kähönen: “The length of this monument corresponds to the average depth Baltic Sea, which is only 54 meters. In this way I wanted to illustrate the vulnerability of the Baltic Sea. I hope that this work will shine and sparkle as a symbol of a clean Baltic Sea.” 
In Helsinki, you can find many nice little things, for example, a shiny ball near the water and not a single cigarette butt around! 
Or this strange pissing man (also in the western port), I think he came from another planet. In fact, this is a portable fountain, in winter, of course, it does not work, and in summer it is placed near the water. 
Street Kalevankatu
From the western terminal to the center of Helsinki is within easy reach. Of course, you can get there by public transport, or you can walk for 20 minutes, for example, along Kalevankatu street.
As you move away from the port, the houses will take on more and more picturesque appearance: 
Hotel Torni (free observation deck)
The Torni Hotel was built in 1931 and was the tallest building in Finland for 40 years. "Torni" is Finnish for "tower".
Hotel Torni is one of the main attractions of Helsinki, because it is from here that you can admire the city from a bird's eye view for free.
Hotel address: Yrjönkatu, 26. 
We go to the hotel, go straight to the elevator and go up to the 12th floor! If the elevator button does not work, then the bar is still closed. Go to the reception and ask in English: “When will it be possible to go upstairs?” They perfectly understand where and why you are going, they answer with a smile and kindly. We were told that the bar will open from 14.00.
On the 12th floor, a panoramic view of the city already opens, but through the glazing. They are standing right there soft chairs and you can use the toilet for free (also with panoramic windows). The bar is above. To get there, we climb a narrow winding staircase, go out onto the summer terrace and admire Helsinki! 
Helsinki is a low-rise city, so the 12th floor is enough to see it all in full view. In the photo below, on the right, you can see a tall white and blue building in the distance - this is the port where we came from. 
And we are going to go here: to the white temple, another port and other sights. 
Kamppi Chapel
Kamppi Chapel (chapel of silence, chapel of silence) is a very unusual representation of the chapel in our (Russian) view: this chapel does not even have a cross, and the shape is somehow strange.
Kamppi Chapel was built in 2012 and belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. This is such a quiet, warm and bright place where everyone can come and take a break from the bustle of the city, as well as the staff of the chapel provide psychological assistance to all those in need.
Working hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-20:00; on weekends 10:00-18:00.
Address: Simonkatu, 7 
The chapel is the embodiment of nature. It is completely made of wood (walls, ceiling, benches), it seems that the rays of the sun make their way through the roof (which is often not enough in cloudy Helsinki), pillows in the form of stones, sand. 
Rautatientori station square
Station Square is also a kind of landmark of every city. Perhaps this is where your journey begins. In any case, there is also something to see here.
Helsinki Central Railway Station was built in 1904-1914. in northern modern style. It is an architectural monument. WITH front side buildings are decorated with giant stone atlantes as tall as the building itself.
There is a metro station under the railway station building. And literally across the road is the Helsinki bus station. 
In winter, a skating rink is flooded at the station square itself. 
The Finnish national theater Suomen Kansallisteatteri was built in 1902 (and was founded much earlier - in 1872 in the city of Pori, Finland). The theater building periodically hosts performances based on the works of Russian classics: Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Gorky, Uspensky.
In front of the theater building there is a monument to the Finnish writer Aleksis Kivi, the founder of realistic literature in Finnish. 
Opposite is a no less spectacular building - the Ateneum Museum. This is the central art museum of Finland, named after the ancient Greek goddess Athena. The building was built in 1887. The museum fund has more than 20 thousand exhibits. 
Since February 10, 2017, asylum seekers from Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and their supporters have set up a tent city in front of the museum building and have declared that they will not leave until the authorities stop the deportation of refugees from Finland. 
Mikonkatu street
Mikonkatu Street is filled with shopping and business centers. 
There is also a very interesting corner house in the style of national romanticism of Finland, built in 1900. It was the first building in Finland designed for a trading company. The house is decorated with images of medieval women surrounded by forest. 
Mikonkatu street goes straight to the Esplanadin puisto park.
Esplanadinpuisto Park
The linden park Esplanade (Esplanadinpuisto) was laid out in the very center of Helsinki in the 1830s. The alley of trees was included in the city's development plan as early as 1812. Of course, it’s better to walk here in the summer, but now we’ll just admire the sights of the surroundings. 
The Swedish Theater (an inconspicuous white building) appeared on this site in 1827. Then it was a wooden building. In 1866 and 1936 rebuilt. The performances are in Swedish.
Monument to the Finnish poet Johan Ludwig Runeberg, who wrote in Swedish about the common Finnish people. The monument, made by the son of the poet Walter Magnus, was erected in 1885 in the center of the linden garden in Helsinki. It is interesting that the monument is not signed, supposedly everyone already knows to whom it is dedicated. At the bottom of the monument is the Virgin of Finland (Suomi-neito) with the anthem of Finland. 
Restaurant Kappeli, like a museum. He appeared here back in 1840 in the form of a small counter and since then "grew" to a restaurant. The place is definitely touristy: there is a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, a summer terrace, a fountain and other goodies. I can’t recommend or dissuade, because we didn’t go inside. 
Fountain "Havis Amanda" (Havis Amanda), which means "sea nymph" in Swedish. According to the Finnish sculptor Ville Wallgren, a young maiden emerging from the sea symbolizes Helsinki in the best possible way. The sculpture was cast in Paris in 1906 and installed only in 1908. 
Esplanade Park is located between the two carriageways Eteläesplanadi (South Esplanadi) and Pohjoiesplanadi (North Esplanadi). The houses along these streets were built in the 19th century.
Grönqvist House (Grönqvistin talo), built in 1882-1883. 
Hotel Kämp, built in 1887 
Both buildings were designed by the same architect. Similar buildings can be found both in Moscow and in St. Petersburg, and in many other cities of Russia. For example, the house of E. A. Dernova (St. Petersburg, Gorokhovaya st., 61), or the profitable house of K. B. Corpus (St. Petersburg, Gorokhovaya st., 16), located on the same street.
Huge "My Helsinki" sign. Glowing at night. 
Market Square Kauppatori
The market square of Kauppatori is still a market place. Locals shop here fresh vegetables and fish, and tourists - souvenirs. Since 1594, a herring fair has been held every year in October on the market square. The market is open on weekends in the morning.
Tram and bus stop: Kauppatori 
The market square adjoins the bay, you can walk along the water, admire the boats and ferries, or even swim to the island of Suomenlinna (I’ll talk about it a little later). Someone opens restaurants in old ships: 
Parking with the cutest turtles. 
I consider it inhumane to insert stakes in turtles, even if they are just figurines, it looks just creepy. 
The Stele of the Empress (Keisarinnankivi) is installed in the very center of the Market Square. The stella with the double-headed eagle was installed in 1835 after Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Emperor Nicholas I, visited Helsinki. During the revolution of 1917, when Finland gained its independence, the double-headed eagle was dropped. It was installed again on the obelisk in 1972. 
The Assumption Cathedral can be seen in the background. 
And pay attention to the buildings around the Market Square - a typical St. Petersburg, except for atypical blinds on the windows. 
Assumption Cathedral
The Assumption Cathedral (Uspenski katedreeli) was built in 1868, during the reign of Emperor Alexander II, when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. It is the largest in the North and Western Europe Orthodox Cathedral. The cathedral and adjoining houses stand on a separate island, to which a bridge is thrown from the Market Square - this is where the Katajanokka district begins (in translation - Juniper Cape). If you have a couple of hours to spare, take a stroll around Katajanokka and admire the interesting Finnish Art Nouveau houses. 
The white building in front of the cathedral is the headquarters of Stura Enso. This is a Finnish-Swedish timber industry company, one of the largest in the world. Its roots go back to the distant year 1288. 
Suomenlinna or Sveaborg island
Suomenlinna - translated from Finnish "Finnish fortress", Sveaborg - translated from Swedish "Swedish fortress". This is a bastion system of fortifications on the islands, now a museum and a residential area. Why two names? The fortress was built in the 18th century, when Finland belonged to Sweden, after gaining independence, the Finns renamed the fortress Finnish. But, since Finland left two main languages, two names were assigned to the fortress.
How to get there? Getting there is very simple: a ferry departs from the Market Square literally every hour to the island. Ferry tickets are sold at the pier in the terminals. The minimum ticket price (round trip) for a 12-hour walk = 5 €. There are also daily public transport passes on the ferry.
If you sail in the evening, make sure that there is a return ferry, otherwise you will have to spend the night on the island. Also in the evening there will be closed cafeterias, shops and museums.
Ticket terminals: 
Ferry to Suomenlinna-Sveaborg: 
There are wooden benches on the ferry, which even in winter are not enough for everyone. There is an exit deck, but in winter it is closed. Swimming is not long, 15-20 minutes. 
View from the island to Helsinki: 
Coastal Barracks or Main Gate. Date of construction - 1868-70. 
Suomenlinnan kirkko, also known as the lighthouse church. This Orthodox church was built in 1854 by order of Nicholas I as a garrison church for Russian soldiers. Later it was rebuilt into a Lutheran one. 
Military Museum: 
There are several bridges to the neighboring island of Susisaari (Wolf Island): 
Walking around the island of Susisaari is much more interesting, because it was the most fortified part, which means that beautiful bastions, passages and labyrinths have been preserved here. 
The walls are built of natural stone. All open tunnels are free to walk. In good weather, it will be interesting to spend almost the whole day on the islands, since the territory is much wider than shown in this article: beautiful rocky shores, many corridors inside stone walls, hilly clearings and beautiful view the Baltic Sea. It is important to note that on the islands in the bastions there are free toilets that are open even late in the evening. 
"Big Yard", where the administrative center of the fortress and the commandant's house were located. Most of the original buildings were destroyed by the artillery of the Anglo-French fleet during Crimean War 1855, during the restoration, only the first floors were preserved. 
In the center of the "Great Courtyard" is the grave-monument of Augustin Ehrensverd, the builder and the first commandant of the Sveaborg fortress. 
And these are residential buildings on the islands: 
Senate square
Senate Square is located in the central part of the city in the Kruununhaka area, which translates as " business card". From the Senate Square, a stone's throw to the Market Square and two steps to the railway station.
Tram and bus stop: Senaatintori
The absolutely symmetrical square was designed by Finnish architect of German origin Karl Ludwig Engel. Building was carried out during the entry of Finland into the Russian Empire: 1818-1852. Now it’s clear why the whole square evokes a feeling of deja vu: 
Karl Ludwig Engel definitely drew inspiration from Russia, especially from St. Petersburg.
The snow-white Cathedral (almost an exact copy of St. Isaac's Cathedral) is the main cathedral of the Lutheran Church in Finland and the main dominant of the Senate Square. 
Austerity and minimalism are what distinguishes the interior of a Lutheran cathedral from an Orthodox one: white walls, white columns, white statues of Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon and Mikael Agricola. The only thing that decorates the temple inside is a small altar and a beautiful organ made in 1967 at the Danish factory Marcussen & Son. 
Opposite the cathedral:
Luxurious monument to Emperor Alexander II, erected in 1894. At the foot of the pedestal there are figures that personify "Law" (Lex), "Peace" (Pax), "Enlightenment" (Lux) and "Labor" (Labor).
The figure 1863, fixed at the bottom of the monument, denotes the year in which Alexander II granted the constitution of autonomous (at that time) Finland. 
The mansions of Swedish merchants of the 18th-19th centuries, the oldest among them is the Sederholm house, which now houses a free museum. The remaining merchant houses are now given over to offices, restaurants and shops. 
To the west of the cathedral:
Helsinki University. From 1640 to 1827 the university was located in the city of Abo (now Turku) as the Royal Academy of Abo. After a fire in 1827, by decree of Emperor Nicholas I, the university was transferred to Helsinki and renamed the Imperial Alexander University (in honor of the late brother of Alexander I). After the independence of Finland, the university was called the University of Helsinki. 
The National Library of Finland is the oldest library in the country, and simultaneously performs the functions of a university and national library. 
East of the Cathedral:
The building of the State Council (Government Palace), where the government of the country still works. In the same building there is a very important room - the President's Hall, in which the President of Finland approves the laws of the country.
Despite the fact that the photos were taken from different angles, you can see that the university building is an exact copy of the state council building, except that there is no clock. 
Museum of the University of Helsinki Arppeanum and Museum of the National Bank of Finland Suomen pankin rahamuseo. These are two free museums, they stand opposite each other on the right side of the cathedral. 
Temppeliaukion rock church (admission fee)
Temppeliaukio Church (Temppeliaukion kirkko) is a Lutheran parish church inside the rock, built (if I may say so) in 1969.
The developers of the unusual church were brothers-architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. They built their project on the idea of harmony between the rock and the building, and the maximum preservation of the rocky surface. Obviously, best solution it was to place the church inside the rock, and not to build one next to the other.
The public did not immediately accept such an unusual project, there were both indignation and protests; someone was afraid of the strange appearance of the church, someone of the high cost of construction. However, soon after the completion of construction, the new church was filled with visitors, they began to write about it laudatoryly in foreign magazines, and the "temple in the rock" is still considered one of the best Finnish buildings. In 2004, the Temppeliaukio church was declared a protected architectural monument.
Address: Lutherinkatu, 3 (Etu-Töölö district)
Working hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 17:00, Sun from 10:45 to 17:00
From the outside, the church looks like a rock. If you do not know that this is a church, then you can pass by. 
The entrance looks like the entrance to a bunker. 
Entrance to the church is paid = 3 €.
Another door is installed inside the church, next to which two girls with a cash register stand and give out such round ticket stickers, they are lying all over the church both inside and outside. If there are a lot of people, and there are almost always large crowds of tourists, you can take the opportunity. 
Inside the church looks just great: solid stone walls, light falling through the roof. But the winding of the roof took 22 km of copper wire.
Because of the excellent acoustics (thanks to the raw stone), concerts are often held in the church. 
You can go up to the second floor. The organ was manufactured by Finland's leading organ-building firm, Veikko Virtanen OY, but the design was developed by brother architects. 
Candles in the temple 
Not far from the church in the rock we saw a parking lot in the rock 🙂 
Street Mannerheimintie
Mannerheimintie Street is the central avenue of Helsinki. It starts at the Esplanadinpuisto park and goes to the north of the city for 5.5 km.
One of the most important museums in Helsinki, the National Museum of Finland (Suomen kansallismuseo), is located on this street. The expositions of the museum represent the whole history of Finland: from the Middle Ages to the present day. Those who have visited the museum highly recommend it. Entrance for adults - 10 €.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00, Mon — closed
Address: Mannerheimintie, 34 
The building was built in 1910 according to the project of Finnish architects. 
Not far from the National Museum of Finland is the Helsinki Music House (Musiikkitalo). The building was built in 2011 and is the main concert house in Helsinki with several halls and a chic foyer. 
In the courtyard of the building there is a funny composition "Singing Trees". At the core creative idea- a poem by the Finnish poet Aaro Hellakoski "The Pike Song" (Hauen laulu, 1928), in which the pike climbs a tree and sings. 
Hall decorates contemporary sculpture"Gaia". 
Even if you are not planning to go to a concert, you can visit the House of Music as a "passing point": you can warm up, sit and relax, use the toilet and Wi-Fi. 
How to get from Russia to Helsinki
There are many ways to get from Russia to the capital of Finland, I will list only direct directions:
1. Non-stop flights to Helsinki from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.
2. Direct train runs from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
3. Direct bus can be reached from St. Petersburg.
4. Also from St. Petersburg you can swim to Helsinki by ferry.
We traveled to Helsinki from Moscow with transfers:
First on the night bus Lux Express Special to Tallinn (Estonia). Buses with soft folding seats, the bus also has a coffee machine, sockets at each seat, toilet, Wi-Fi and tablets with various entertainment. 
Then on the Mega Star ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Finland. 
So the trip turned out to be less tiring and more varied, we even had time to walk around Tallinn.
From Helsinki, we also returned by Lux Express buses, only through St. Petersburg.
Also, do not forget that you need a Schengen visa to visit Finland.
Senate Square has been Helsinki's main square since the 17th century. The square acquired its current form at the beginning of the 19th century, when the Russian Tsar Alexander II moved the capital of Finland from Turku to Helsinki. Senate Square and its surroundings are a unique example of neoclassical architecture.
History of occurrence.
Senate Square has a rather rich history. In 1809, Finland was incorporated into the Russian Empire as an independent duchy, and three years later, Helsinki was proclaimed its capital. The military engineer Johan Albrecht Ehrenström was appointed head of the committee for the reconstruction of the city, who commissioned the talented architect Karl Ludwig Engel to design and build about 30 public buildings in Helsinki. Many of his creations are located on the Senate Square.
Architecture.
Senate Square is the most holistically preserved neoclassical square in Europe, which arose on the site of a church, a city hall and a market in the 17th century.
On the south side of Senate Square, on Sofiankatu Street, there are the mansions of Swedish merchants of the 18th and 19th centuries, among which stands out the oldest stone building in Helsinki - the Sederholm House, built in 1757, which today houses a museum. The rest of the houses are currently reserved for offices, shops and restaurants.
One of the main attractions of the Senate Square is the Lutheran Church (former Nicholas Church). On the eastern side of the square is the building of the State Council, which was the Imperial Senate in 1822.
In the center of the square stands a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894).
On the western side of the square, opposite the State Council, rises the main building of the University of Helsinki. Originally built in 1832, the building was completely destroyed in one day by an air raid in 1944, but later rebuilt, repaired and reopened in 1948. The main merit of the architect is that he was able to create a single harmonious composition of buildings and structures on a rather hilly area with protruding rocks in some places. This is why Helsinki is called the White Capital of the North.
Note to the tourist.
In the summer, all kinds of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events are held on Senate Square. The stage is erected right on the square, and numerous spectators are placed on the steps of the cathedral. The most solemn events held on the Senate Square can be seen on City Day (June 12) and during the annual Helsinki Festival (mid or end of August). Every day at 5.49 pm, the song “Sounds of the Senate Square” plays on the square, which was written specifically to mark the end of the working day and the beginning of rest. The square itself is of little interest to the people of Helsinki - only tourists stop to take pictures, while the locals in a hurry just cross it.
Neighborhood.
You can stay in Helsinki near Senate Square at: Seurahuone Helsinki, Hilton Helsinki Strand, Klaus K Hotel, Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre, Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka. More economical option: Eurohostel, Hotel Finn, Omena Hotel Helsinki Lonnrotinkatu, Omena Hotel Yrjonkatu, ANNA HOTEL. Near the Senate Square are the Cathedral, Sederholm House, Esplanade Park, the Ateneum Art Museum and the National Museum.
This article will present one of the curious historical places of the capital of Finland with its magnificent architectural structures (Helsinki, the cathedral and much more). But first, let's get acquainted with the city itself, with its main historical sights.
General information about the capital of Finland
Helsinki is the largest Finnish city and is the administrative center of Uusimaa (province). It is located in the south of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). In total, 630.225 thousand people live in it, 10% of which are foreign citizens. The city contains many cultural and historical attractions, including the Senate Square. Helsinki is one of the most unique cities in terms of its geographical location.
Location
The main part of Helsinki is located on a granite peninsula, located on the northern coast of the bay. In addition, numerous rocky islands and islets with small bays and passages spread around it, representing magnificent, original natural landscapes.
Helsinki calling big interest numerous foreign tourists and travelers. This city is great for both hiking and cycling.
About the architecture of the city
Almost the entire area is surrounded by historic buildings built in 1818-1852, designed by the German architect Karl L. Engel. In total, more than 30 buildings were built according to his projects, and this number is only those architectural structures that were erected by him after Helsinki became the capital of the Duchy of Finland as part of the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, this city was even called the White Capital of the North due to its similarity with the style of buildings in St. Petersburg.
About some sights of the capital
Helsinki Senate Square is located in the central part of the city, in the Kruununhaka district and is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city. But besides it, there are many more wonderful historical places that attract a huge number of tourists and travelers from abroad. It is impossible to enumerate and describe them, but some of them should be noted.
In the area of Katajanokka (Cape Juniper) most of the structures and buildings were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. This once former cape is dominated by the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. This is the Assumption Cathedral of amazing beauty.
In the Canavarante area (waterfront near the canal) there is a guest pier for yachts and boats, warehouses built in the 1800s. There are numerous shops and restaurants.
There is also the Sofiankatu Museum Street in Helsinki, which is the only museum in the city that is open day and night. The whole amazing history of street construction and street equipment is presented here. The oldest building (the house of Sederholm), located in the historical part of the capital, is one of the branches of the city museum.
Senate Square (Helsinki): cathedral, photo, description
The area has its own unique history. In the 17th century, at the location of its current location, there was a town hall, a market, a cemetery and a church. In 1812, the Russian Emperor Alexander II proclaimed this city the capital of the Grand Duchy and gave the order to build a new city center.
The whole area is a unique complex, made in the neoclassical style. The main buildings in it are 4 buildings, which were designed in 1822-1852 by K. L. Engel. They are the magnificent cathedral, National Library, the building of the State Council and the main building of the university.
Senate Square in Helsinki (see photo above) has an amazing work of art on its territory - a magnificent cathedral built on a high hill. Its construction began in 1830. In 1840, after the death of the designer Engel, construction was continued by his successor Ernst Lormann. As a result, the cathedral was opened in 1852.
Initially, it was called Nikolaevsky, as it was dedicated to St. Nicholas (the patron saint of seafarers), which was also an expression of a kind of reverence for Nicholas II, by order of which the cathedral was decorated with sculptures of 12 apostles located on its roof (the work of German sculptors). They were cast in 1845-1847 and in 1849 were installed on the cathedral. The statues are an impressive collection of zinc sculptures of world importance.
In the interior of the cathedral there are statues of famous historical figures: Martin Luther, Mikael Agricola and Philip Melanchthon. In 1959, the building received the status of a cathedral, after which it became the main one not only in the city, but also in the country. Both ordinary and solemn services are always held here, in addition, the cathedral is always open to the public. The Senate Square in Helsinki is quite popular among numerous tourists. Her address: Unioninkatu street, house 29.
Other attractions of the square
A surprisingly large number of historically interesting architectural structures are located on Senate Square. Helsinki was once a place of residence for Swedish merchants. On the southern part of this historical zone, their beautiful mansions(buildings of the 18th century). Among them stands out the oldest stone house in the capital of Sederholm (1757), which today houses a museum in its premises.
To the right of the cathedral is the building of the State Council, part of which was completed in 1822. It is intended for the Imperial Senate and for the current government. Above the central entrance is a beautiful room in the Empire style - the Presidential Hall (formerly the Throne Room). There is no public access for citizens to this building.
In addition to all of the above, Helsinki's Senate Square included in its territories the central building of the university (1832 - the year of construction). The main building of the university is presented in its original form (the same auditoriums and the main hall).
There is also a bronze monument to the famous Russian emperor Alexander II (author - Walter Runeberg, built in 1894) due to the special attitude of the Finnish people towards him. As noted above, the Russian emperor granted autonomy to the Finns. The statue is surrounded by a sculptural group: "Peace", "Law", "Light" and "Labor".
A lot of rather curious historical information is contained in the Helsinki Senate Square.
Monument to Alexander II
This sculptural work is one of those few pre-revolutionary surviving monuments to the Russian emperor - the great liberator tsar.
It is the best achievement of Finnish sculptural art of the 19th century. The Great Sovereign is depicted here in the same guise that he had at the time of the speech, which spoke of granting Finland those very rights of autonomy (1863). The Finnish people, in gratitude to their liberator, raised money on their own to erect a monument to the emperor.
The height is 3.23 meters, and it stands on a pedestal made of red granite. As a result, its total height is 10.67 meters.
The date of obtaining autonomy is carved on the pedestal of the monument.
About the location of the square
Surprisingly many interesting architectural structures can be found on Senate Square (Helsinki). How to get to it to see all this splendor?
This square represents the center of Helsinki. It is located about 2 blocks east from the main train station. You can also get there by trams, the stops of which are also nearby.
The square is about 2.3 kilometers from the central port. If you walk, it is advisable to follow Bulivardi Street. You need to take the metro from Ruoholahden station to Kaisaniemen. From Russia (St. Petersburg) a fixed-route taxi runs every day, which can deliver anyone who wants it directly to the Senate Square itself.
Conclusion
Senate Square as a whole, like almost all of its architectural structures, is one of the most famous and remarkable symbols of the capital of Finland. Helsinki's main square is the religious, political and social center of the country.
In summer, Senate Square is filled with people in connection with the various concerts and festivals held on it. But especially magnificent celebrations are held on the birthday of the city (June 12) and during the Helsinki Festival, which takes place here annually. All of them are amazing colorful, spectacular and mesmerizing performances that are worth seeing.
