Helsinki Senate Square on the map. Helsinki Senate Square - an architectural ensemble

Acquaintance with Helsinki, of course, should start from the Senate Square. This - and his business card, and the main square of the country, concurrently. Photos with its views will definitely be in any travel guide to Finland. The architectural ensemble of Senaatintori is the same symbol of the "Land of a Thousand Lakes", like the elk or Mummi-troll.

History of the Senate Square

The history of the square began at the beginning of the 17th century, when Helsinki, still being a remote province, could not dream of the status of the capital, with delight and a certain envy, looking at the majestic and ancient Turku.

Even then, there were all the attributes befitting the center of urban and social life - the first town hall and the first church with an adjoining cemetery.

But on April 12, 1812, the square woke up in a different capacity - the main square of the main city. It was on this day that Emperor Alexander I proclaimed Helsinki the new capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The newly elected "princess" needed a new, solemn "outfit". Officer-topographer Johan Albercht Ehrenström and architect Karl Ludwig Engel were entrusted with the highest permission from St. Petersburg to build not just a city, but the luxurious capital of the Grand Duchy. (A memorial plaque with their names is now installed on the wall of the University library).

The building of the Church of Ulrika Eleonora and the town hall located on the square were dismantled (the place where the church was previously located is marked on the paving stones of the square), and in their place, in a strict hierarchy, ceremonial buildings were lined up, which united into one of the most organic and sustained architectural ensembles in the empire style.

Senate building

Helsinki - Senate Building

The building of the Imperial Senate of Finland was the first to appear on the square (if you stand facing the cathedral, it will be on the right). The facade was completed already in 1822.
Currently, the current government of the country (State Council) works here, which meets every Friday at 13.00. The office of the Prime Minister is located on the second floor, and above the main entrance in the former Throne Room, the President of the Republic signs the laws of the country.

The oldest public clock in Finland is located on the pediment of the building.

Nothing, except political battles, has shaken the peace of the current government for more than a hundred years, since the terrorist Shauman shot and killed Governor-General Bobrikov in the Senate in 1904 for his policy of Russification.

In 1832, opposite the Senate, the University building was erected. The Academy, founded in Turku back in 1640, was transferred to the capital after a fire by the highest imperial decree and, together with a new address, received a new name - Alexandrinsky University.

The building completely repeats the proportions of the Senate, but differs in a somewhat modest order - for the Senate it is Corinthian, and for the University it is more strict and restrained, Ionic.

Anyone can enter the university, where the ceremonial decoration of the lobby and copies will open in front of him antique statues on flights of stairs.
The building was seriously damaged during the 1944 Soviet bombing. In particular, the unique murals of the University's assembly hall were destroyed. Renovated, it was opened in 1948, and for its 350th anniversary, the building received as a gift a general reconstruction.

A little to the right is the University Library - Engel's best creation, completed after his death - in 1844. The entrance to the library, like to the University, is free (just be ready to drop your bags into the boxes at the very entrance). The collection of a unique collection of Slavic literature was facilitated by the fire in Turku, which in 1827 completely destroyed both the Academy itself and its library. After that, Emperor Alexander I ordered that a copy of each new book published in the empire be sent here. Now the collection of the Helsinki University library is considered a "Mecca" for Slavinists all over the world - the tenacious hands of the Soviet censorship did not reach it.

Take the time and take a look at the library. The first hall with a vaulted painted ceiling surprises with old books that seem to whisper their stories from the shelves. Walk along the second tier, touch them ... to history. The second hall features quirky architecture and free internet on computers along the windows.

Monument to Alexander II

Helsinki - monument to Alexander II

In the center of Senate Square there is a monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II, surrounded by four ladies who personify Law, Peace, Enlightenment and Labor.
After the emperor legalized the Finnish language in 1863, the king won over the Finns so much that they still allow him, from the height of their pedestal, to watch what is happening on the main square of the country. Here is such a reverent attitude to their own history. No flipping or re-enumeration from scratch.

Yes! Were a colony! Yes, they fought! And the king is standing! The monument has something to do with it?

Merchant houses

Helsinki - home of the merchant Sederholm

And in front of the tsar's face, in the southern part of the square, pushing one against the other, the lovely houses of the merchants-burghers are molded. They survived the fires, and reconstruction, and redevelopment. Almost all of Helsinki's history has passed through the real old-timers of the city in front of their open windows. Many of them now house colorful shops, cafes and restaurants aimed at tourists.

Believe it or not, the far-right corner house, once owned by the sugar merchant Kiselev, used to house the central hall of the Stockmann department store.

The colonnaded house of the merchant Bock, erected at the beginning of the 18th century, after restoration by Engel in 1816-18, took over the functions of the City Hall. City entertainment events are now being held here.

An extravagant gray building at the left end of the square is once the most luxurious house in Helsinki. It belonged to the wealthy merchant Johann Sederholm. Plus, the building is the oldest stone structure in the city center. Now it houses a branch of the city museum, where the urban life of the 18th century is presented, and there are also changing exhibitions.

The adjoining, red-brown building with shutters is still the official residence of the mayor of Helsinki - the mayor of Helsinki.

Sofiyskaya street

Helsinki - Sofiyskaya street

But you must definitely go back a little and turn onto the tiny Sofiyskaya Street, which is already a museum in itself. From the brilliant splendor of the ceremonial buildings of the Senate Square, we seem to find ourselves a hundred years ago.

Renovated for the 450th anniversary of Helsinki, it is an example of the street development of old Helsinki.

Cobblestones, a water column, a funny green booth with a working phone and nameplates in three languages: Swedish, Russian and Finnish.

Sofiyskaya street - sign

Only one "but". There were no “then” signs with Finnish names. Nobles spoke Swedish, officials - Russian. Finnish, on the other hand, has long remained the language of peasants and commoners.

But these are all trifles, and historical justice pales in comparison with the air of antiquity, which permeates the atmosphere of Sofiyskaya Street.

Now turn around and walk slowly back. Enjoy the stunning spectacle of a snow-white boulder swimming in the cramped shade and shadow of a tiny street Cathedral.

Senate square- the main square of Helsinki since the 17th century. The square acquired its present appearance 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 origin.

Senate Square has enough rich story... In 1809, Finland was incorporated into the Russian Empire as an independent duchy, and three years later Helsinki was proclaimed the capital. Military engineer Johann Albrecht Ehrenström was appointed head of the city's reconstruction committee, who commissioned the talented architect Karl Ludwig Engel to design and build about 30 public buildings in Helsinki. Many of his creations are on the Senate Square.

Architecture.

Senate Square is the most intact neoclassical square in Europe, built on the site of a 17th century church, town hall and marketplace.
WITH south side Senate Square, on Sofiankatu Street, there are mansions of Swedish merchants of the 18-19th centuries, among which the oldest stone building in Helsinki - the Sederholm house, erected in 1757, which today houses a museum, stands out. The rest of the houses are currently set aside for offices, shops and restaurants.
One of the main attractions of the Senate Square is the Lutheran Church (formerly 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 there is a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894).
On the western side of the square, opposite the State Council, stands the main building of the University of Helsinki. Originally built in 1832, the hull was completely destroyed in a one-day air raid in 1944, but later rebuilt, renovated and reopened in 1948. The main merit of the architect is that, on a rather hilly area with protruding rocks in some places, he was able to create a single harmonious composition of buildings and structures. It is for this that Helsinki is called the White Capital of the North.

Tourist notes.

In the summer season, all kinds of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events are held on Senate Square. The stage is being erected right on the square, and numerous spectators are placed on the steps of the cathedral. The most ceremonial events held at Senate Square can be seen on City Day (June 12) and during the annual Helsinki Festival (mid to late August). Every day at 17.49 on the square plays the composition "Sounds of the Senate Square", which was written specifically to mark the end of the working day and the beginning of rest. The square itself is not of particular interest to the residents of Helsinki - only tourists stop to take pictures, while the locals just cross it in a hurry.

Neighborhood.

You can stay in Helsinki near Senate Square in: Seurahuone Helsinki, Hilton Helsinki Strand, Klaus K Hotel, Holiday Inn Helsinki City center, 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, the Sederholm House, the Esplanade Park, the Ateneum Art Museum and the National Museum.

For travelers arriving in Helsinki by train, the acquaintance with the city begins right here - from the Helsinki Railway Station and the square of the same name, which is also called the Railway Square or Helsinki Station Square.

The train delivers passengers right to the very heart of Helsinki to the main railway station of the Finnish capital - an architectural monument, a monumental granite building with a clock tower overlooking the city and, which has already become one of the symbols of Helsinki by the sculptor Emilya Vikström(Emil Wikström), giants holding lanterns in their hands.

The station building was built by the architect Eliela 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 square, which got its name - Railway area, framed in the southern part by the street Kaivokatu on which is located Ateneum Art Museum.

To the right of the museum is the built in 1967 City center, called in the common people - Sausage house (Makkaratalo), so named because of the sausage-shaped element encircling the building.

There is a street in the eastern part of the square Mikonkatu on which there is Grand Casino Helsinki, many cafes and restaurants with summer terraces.

In the northern part of the street Vilhonkatu on which it is located. And in the western part of the square there is a part of the street Keskuskatu, which translated into Russian means - central Street... The street Kesuskatu that runs between Athenaeum Art Museum and building Maccaratalo, after many years of renovation, it 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.

In 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 at the beginning of the 19th century, in the place of today's Railway area there was a seabed and this place had a name Kluuvinlahti from the Swedish name Gloviken which meant - Kluuvi Bay... 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 crimson and the letter“ G ”was softened by the letter“ K ”. This is how it happened modern name this area of ​​the city - Kluuvi... Street name Kluuvikatu also comes from the name of the former bay here. Later this area was filled up.

Today, this place is one of the most important transport hubs... From here, short-distance trains leave and intercity trains, as well as international trains depart to St. Petersburg and Moscow... This is where the inner ones begin bus routes and routes to satellite cities in Vantaa and Espoo... There is a metro line under the square and there is a station of the same name - Railway area.

On the Kaivokatu, opposite the building Maccaratalo, you can take one of the trams that run on many routes to different areas of the city Helsinki.

In addition to public transport or taxis, you can use a bike by renting it at a special parking lot right next to 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 railway station by 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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Ketch "Walborg"

Helsinki is very beautiful city with amazing architecture. A rich history has left an imprint on its appearance. Having arrived here, vacationers can visit squares and museums, admire the beauty of churches and parks. Even a week may not be enough to get to know the capital - the sights are located literally at every step.

Senate Square (Senaatintori)

It is best to start exploring the city from its cultural and historical center. The name speaks for itself: it is here that the building of the Senate (now the State Council) is located. The University is located nearby, and opposite the former residences of wealthy merchants of the nineteenth century can be seen. In the middle of the square stands a monument to the Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander II, who did a lot for the Principality of Finland. Four figures are installed next to it, personifying law, peace, labor and light. The houses that surround the square in a ring form a harmonious architectural ensemble.

Church in the rock (Temppeliaukio kirkko)

There are many religious sites in Helsinki, but the most unusual of all can rightfully be called a Lutheran church in a granite rock. The avant-garde building caused a mixed reaction from society, but now Temppeliaukio is considered one of the symbols of the city, and even the most skeptical citizens have come to terms with its original style.

The hall of the church is spacious, and part of the walls is rough rock. Light enters through the windows surrounding the huge dome, so there is no feeling of stiffness. The acoustics are excellent here, which is why the temple is often used for concerts. However, even on ordinary days it is worth coming here to listen to the magnificent organ with over 3,000 pipes. There are no bells in Temppeliaukio, instead of them speakers are installed in the walls through which bell music written by Tanel Kuusisto is broadcast.

The entrance to the church is free, but you need to be guided by the schedule of services. In summer, from Monday to Saturday, it is open from 10:00 to 17:45, and in winter from 10:00 to 17:00. On Sundays, Temppeliaukio Church starts work one hour later.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Jumalansynnyttäjän kuolonuneen nukkumisen katedraali)

Another religious building, whose appearance will not leave anyone indifferent, is made in the classic pseudo-Byzantine style. The Assumption Cathedral, built in the late 19th century on the foundations of the Katajanokka Peninsula, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Finland. It is built on a rock and stands proudly above the nearby buildings. The outer walls are made of red brick, and the thirteen onion domes are covered with gold leaf. The main dome rises in the central part of the square structure, while the bell tower is located on the south side. A beautiful view of the whole of Helsinki opens from the platform in front of the cathedral.

The cathedral can be visited on all days except Monday. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday - 9: 30-16: 00, Saturday - 9: 30-14: 00, Sunday - 12: 00-15: 00. If tourists want to attend the service, the time must be specified separately.

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Helsinki Market Square is worth a visit not only for shoppers, but also for those who want to see the daily life of the city. Along its perimeter there are retail outlets selling everything your heart desires - from delicacies to clothes and souvenirs. It is worth taking a leisurely stroll here, because Helsinki does not tolerate a hustle and bustle. In addition to tents, there is one of the symbols of the city - the Sea Nymph fountain, as well as an obelisk in honor of the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

As in any market, trading is carried out on weekends in the morning. It is especially interesting on the square during the Christmas holidays, when everything around is decorated with garlands. You can refresh your strength after shopping, and in winter you can warm up in small cafes.

Fortress Suomenlinna

Sveaborg ("Swedish Fortress") or Suomenlinna ("Finnish Fortress") - the names of the same historical site included in the list World heritage UNESCO. At present, the strengthening has passed to civilian management, but previously it performed an important defense function.

The fortress was erected on islands located two kilometers from Helsinki. Lovers of history, architecture and military affairs will find a lot of interesting here. Among the tourist sites are:

• Suomenlinna Museum (Suomenlinna-museo) - ticket from 5 euros;
• Toy Museum (Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo) - entry from 5 euros;
• War Museum (Sotamuseon Maneesi) - a ticket costs 4 euros;
• Field Marshal Ehrensvärd Museum (Ehrensvärd-museo) ticket from 3 euros;
• Customs Museum (Tullimuseo) - free admission;
• submarine-museum "Vesikko" ticket price from 4 euros.

Not the entire fortress is open to the public - part of it is set aside for the naval academy, and there is also a prison here. It is interesting that it is the prisoners who are engaged in maintaining order in Sveaborg.

You can get here only by ferry or river tram from the Market Square. A one-way ticket costs 4 euros. Tourists who decide to visit the attraction for the first time should remember that there is no transport on the territory of the fortress, therefore, shoes should be worn as comfortable as possible.

Winter Garden

The Winter Garden is a wonderful romantic place, perfect for leisurely walks. This is a kind of oasis wildlife in the middle of a metropolis. Having crossed the threshold, you immediately find yourself in a tropical forest: birds sing, vines hang from the ceiling. However, going a little further, one cannot fail to note the order prevailing here: the paths are sprinkled with gravel, and the animals are located in cages.

The territory is divided into several parts: a pool with fish, a cactus garden and a zone of exotic plants and flowers. The entrance to the Winter Garden is free, but it is open only until 15:00, and on Saturday and Sunday until 16:00, the day off is Monday. You can get here by tram No. 2, 4 and 7A, stop Töölön halli.

Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma"

The Kiasma Museum is one of the “youngest” in Helsinki. It is dedicated to contemporary art in the broadest sense of the word. The museum does not look like classical galleries - rather, it is several creative platforms collected in one place. There are 25 departments in total, covering areas such as painting, cinema, photography, sculpture, music, architecture and so on. The exhibitions are constantly being updated, and audio guides are issued at the entrance so that visitors can freely navigate the expositions.

The museum is located at Mannerheiminaukio Square, 2. Kiasma opens at 10:00, but the opening hours vary: on Tuesday it is open until 17:00, on Wednesday and Thursday until 20:30, on Friday - until 20:00, on Saturday - until 18:00, on Sunday - until 17:00. Day off - Monday. The entrance ticket costs 12 euros, for students - 8 euros.

Aleksanterinkatu Street

Aleksanterinkatu or Aleksandrovskaya Street is the historical center of Helsinki, the richest street in the city. Trade here was conducted several centuries ago, and since then nothing has changed in this regard. It is here that the shops of the most famous brands are located, as well as the largest in the capital shopping center- Stockmann. A visit to Aleksanterinkatu will be interesting not only for the purpose of shopping - the street itself is very beautiful. You can get here by bus (No. 4, 4A, 7A and 7B) or tram (3B).

Getting to know the city

By bus or tram

Helsinki bus tours start at central station(Simonkatu 1) or in the port (terminals Silja and Viking). Inexpensive but addicting alternative bus excursion- acquaintance with the city by tram line 3T. In this case, we recommend starting the excursion from the station, then the tram follows almost all the main attractions of Helsinki. Together with the ticket, it would be nice to buy an accompanying brochure with a description of the objects, past which the tram is rolling.

On foot or by bike

The Helsinki Information Center brochure lists popular routes and bike rentals to explore the city.

By boat around Helsinki

In summer, pleasure boats leave every hour (from 10.00) from the Market Square and from Hakanie Square - you can take a trip to the islands off the coast of Helsinki.

Leisure

Holidays in Helsinki do not have to be limited to sightseeing - the city has a huge selection of places where you can spend time actively and fun. Of course, first of all, tourists will want to go on a trip by water. It can be either going out to the open sea or walking along coastline on the boat. You can get acquainted with the underwater inhabitants without leaving the mainland - in the Sea Life aquarium. There are more than 50 aquariums in it, and under the largest of them, where sharks are kept, there is a glass tunnel.

The Vanhankaupunki Historic District is a must-see for fishing enthusiasts. To fish in law-abiding Finland, you need to have a license, but you can freely buy it at the Meri-Info kiosks located in the Stockmann department store on ul. Aleksanterinkatu 52, or at the address: st. Unioninkatu 23.

Winter is perhaps the most favorite time of the year for the Finns, and how can you resist the temptation of ice skating or skiing down the slope, especially if all these activities are available in the city center? In addition to indoor ice parks and sports complexes located in and around Helsinki, ski slopes and skating rinks are also flooded in the open air.

The Finnish sauna is a must-see for any tourist who comes to Helsinki. Couples are equipped right in homes, on rooftops, and sometimes even on buses, and visiting them is an important part of the culture. One of the most colorful public saunas is Rauhaniemi. Its peculiarity is that instead of an artificial pool, visitors plunge into the wormwood of Lake Näsijärvi.

Every year, from late August to mid-September, there is a festive atmosphere in Helsinki for three weeks. Concerts, performances are held everywhere, and various events are organized. All kinds of performances are held in cafes and restaurants in the capital. The culmination of the festival is "The Long Night of Art".

Shopping

Finnish-made goods, in particular clothes, shoes and interior items, differ high quality, for which they are very much appreciated all over the world. The choice of a place for shopping depends on the product - you should go to the market for souvenirs and colorful handicrafts, but branded items can be purchased profitably in large shopping centers.

Woolen hats and sweaters with a characteristic pattern are usually brought from Helsinki. Warm and original, they will find a place in every wardrobe. Of the national brands, Marimeko has recently become popular - things are distinguished by an unusual bright design, but at the same time they are well suited to any style.

In addition, you can pay attention to bath accessories. They are sold both separately and as gift sets.

A traditional souvenir is also a kuksa - a wooden cup with a ring handle. In ancient times, the Finns took them on hikes, tying them to a belt.

The main shopping streets, Esplanada and Aleksanterinkatu, are home to brand shops and small boutiques.

All the favorite food of the Finns (and sometimes visiting foreigners) can be bought at the market near the port. Opening hours: Mon. Sat. 6.30-14.00; in summer 15.30-20.00.

Not far from the Pitkasilta Bridge, there is a market in Hakaniemi Square. The food here is a little cheaper than in the port market.

At the end of Bulevardi Boulevard is the Hietalahdentori market. It is worth going to the central pavilion. Working hours: from Monday to Friday - 8.00-18.00, Saturday and Sunday - until 15.00.

How to save money in Helsinki

The national currency of Finland is the euro, and at the current exchange rate, even a short trip can be very expensive. In order to have a good rest and at the same time save money, it is worth remembering some travel tips.

Free entrance to museums

The schedule of most cultural sites includes days or hours of free visits. So, in the Museum of Culture this time is from 17:00 to 20:00 on the first Tuesday of each month, the next day you can freely go to the Ateneum and Kiasma museums at the same time. On Fridays from 11:00 to 16:00 there is no need to pay for a ticket to the Museum of Finnish Architecture. In addition, the city has a huge variety of free objects, including churches and parks.

Savings on food

On most trips, food will be the most significant expense. However, if you cook your own food by buying groceries at the supermarket, you can save a lot.

Savings on purchases

Avid shopaholics should pay attention to the outlets, of which there are a lot in Helsinki. Discounts in them can reach up to 70%.

When buying things as a gift, you should ask if you can get a Tax Free refund. In stores operating on this system, you need to take a special check, which is stamped when leaving the country. A refund of paid VAT can be obtained directly at the customs office.

Travel

Of course, the best way to save money on travel is to stay close to attractions. If this is not possible, and the tourist will have to use every day by public transport, it is worth purchasing a single ticket. To do this, you need to contact the city's transport department or the tourist office.

Accommodation in Helsinki

Visiting all the sights is a pleasant but rather tedious activity, so you need to take care of accommodation in advance. Traditionally, most travelers choose hotels. The capital of Finland is a place where you can find a suitable hotel that meets all the requirements for comfort, price per room, and range of services. Chain establishments such as Hilton and Radisson do not need a separate description, but apart from them there are many interesting options. For example, Hotel Kämp is the epitome of elegance and chic. It is not surprising that this is where the world elite prefers to stay. You can book a room and feel your belonging to the upper strata of society for 200 euros per day.

Entrance to Glo Hotel Art

There are many more economical, but no less interesting hotels in the capital. So, Glo Hotel Art is real medieval castle, Radisson Blu The Seaside Hotel is an eco-hotel, where all the interiors of the rooms are made exclusively from natural materials.

For those who are going to stay in Helsinki for at least a week, as well as tourists with children, it is better to consider such an option as renting apartments (apart-hotels). Among them are Citykoti Downtown Apartments, Helsinki Central Apartments, Forenom Helsinki City Aparthotel.

There are also quite a lot of hostels in the city that will appeal to young people, since accommodation in them is inexpensive. Not far from the city center are Eurohostel, Hostel Erottajanpuisto, Domus Academica and others. At the height of the tourist season, it is better not to postpone the choice of housing, since good profitable options are quickly dismantled. You can find and book a room through our website following the link.

How to get to Helsinki

The fastest way to get to the capital of Finland from Russia is by plane. Direct flights from Moscow run daily in this direction. The road will take no more than 2.5 hours.

Those for whom air transport is not suitable for some reason can use the services of Russian Railways. High-speed train will bring tourists from St. Petersburg to their destination in just 3.5 hours. But the journey from Moscow will last significantly longer - 15.5 hours.

Another option that is also popular is the ferry from the Northern Capital. The approximate travel time is 13 hours, but this solution will be the most beneficial for those who are used to traveling abroad in their own car - the car deck is at the disposal of passengers.

The three central squares of the Finnish capital: Senate, Torgovaya and Vokzalnaya. They have always been of interest to tourists, since they are the focus of many architectural monuments and attractions. We will pay a little attention to each of them and get to know them better.

Senate square

Senate square

The main features of the panoramic view that opens from the steps of the Cathedral took shape in the first half of the 19th century. In 1812, Helsinki was proclaimed the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. And the new capital had to correspond to such a high status. The German architect Karl Ludwig Engel was invited to design the central square of the city. XIX century designed a number of official buildings that make up the main ensemble of the Senate Square.

To find out where everything is, take the Cathedral as a starting point. This monumental building took 22 years to build. Initially, the cathedral was called Nikolsky and was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. It was also a way to express respect to the Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who donated a painting by Timofey Andreevich von Neff to decorate the altar of the temple. Later the cathedral was renamed the Cathedral of Helsinki.

Cathedral address: st. Unioninkatu, 29.

Architecture

At first, Engel was the architect, but he died in 1940, and it was already another architect, Ernst Lormann, who completed the building. The construction was completed in 1852. The roof of the cathedral is decorated with figures of 12 apostles, and inside there are statues of Martin Luther (the founder of the Reformation), Philip Melanchthon (a humanist and theorist of Lutheranism) and Mikael Agricola (the bishop who translated the Bible into Finnish).

Events

Various festive events take place on the square in front of the cathedral, the most spectacular of which is the celebration of Lucia Day. Every year on December 13, out of 10 candidates, Lucia, the Queen of Light, is chosen, she is crowned with a crown of burning candles, and a festive procession begins.

The cathedral is open daily from 9.00 to 18.00 (from June to August from 9.00 to 24.00). The entrance is free. From time to time, the cathedral hosts official events, during which the entrance for tourists is closed.

Right in front of the cathedral, there is a monument to the most respected Russian emperor among the Finns - Alexander II, under whom Finland introduced its own currency - the mark, and the Finnish language received the status of the state language along with Swedish. Walter Runeberg, the author of this project, portrayed the emperor in the uniform of a guard officer. He makes a speech, and around him are four allegorical figures: "Law", "Peace", "Light" and "Labor".

What kind of buildings surround Senate Square?

If you stand on the granite stairs of the cathedral facing the square, then on your left there will be the building of the State Council - another of Engel's projects. Previously, it housed the Senate (hence the name of the square), and now it is the seat of the Finnish government. The office of the Prime Minister is located on the second floor. Visitors are not allowed here.

To the right of the cathedral, you will see the main building of the University, designed by Engel in 1832. Like the State Council building, it is made in a neoclassical style and repeats the same proportions and composition. The University Library is located next to the university building, on Unioninkanu Street. This building is considered to be one of Engel's most beautiful works.

Well, at the farthest end of the square (as viewed from the steps of the cathedral) there are houses of wealthy merchants of the 18th century. Now it houses various city institutions, and on the lower floors there are shops, restaurants and cafes. The oldest building of them is the Sederholm House (this is a two-story small mansion on the corner of the square), there is a museum of merchant life and temporary exhibitions.

In 2005, Senate Square had its own "voice". Every day at 17.49 a 5-minute musical composition is broadcast, which is best heard near the monument to Alexander II.

Station Square (Rautatientori)

It is with her that the acquaintance with Helsinki begins for all those who arrived in the Finnish capital by train. The station building itself certainly deserves attention, it is one of the main symbols of the city. The station began operating in 1919. Its architecture is peculiar: the structure, finished with pink granite, is crowned with a massive tower on one side, and huge figures with lanterns in their hands rise on either side of the main entrance. In the station building you can find a pharmacy, shops, tourist information point (where there are all kinds of maps and tourist brochures), several cafes.

Let's hit the road

To the right of the railway station there is a bus stop, from where most of the regular buses leave, including those that go to the airport, as well as a taxi rank.

Shopping lovers

Opposite the station, you will see the most controversial building in the center of Helsinki - Makkaratalo, which means "sausage house". The building received this name because of the ledge encircling it (there is a parking lot). Shops are located on the lower floors, offices on the upper floors.

By the way, about the shops. Vokzalnaya Square may well be considered a starting point for shopping in the capital's department stores. Sokos, Kamppi and Forum can be reached directly via the underground passage from the station. There are also various shops in the underground passage itself.

The culture

A beautiful castle-like building made of gray granite rises on Vokzalnaya Square, topped with a red roof. This is (Kansallisteatteri). In his repertoire, you can almost always find plays by the Finnish playwright Alexis Kivi (it is his monument that is located near the theater). Directly opposite, on the opposite side of the square, is the Ateneum art museum. And behind the National Theater there is a large Kaisaniemi Park (it includes the University Botanical Garden, in whose greenhouses many tropical plants grow).

Shopping area (Kauppatori)

Perhaps this is the busiest place in Helsinki. In summer, you can buy berries, fruits and vegetables grown by caring farms, taste local delicacies, and find the largest selection of souvenirs and handicrafts in the capital. In October, the Silakkamarkkinat Baltic herring fair is held annually here, where you can taste a wide variety of fish dishes. And in winter there is a Christmas market. Tent cafes are open at any time of the year, where you can have a cup of coffee and a snack.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri 6.30 - 18.00

Sat. 6.30 - 16.00

Sun. (only in summer) 10.00 - 17.00

Attractions around

The nearby attractions are also worth noting.

The Havis Amanda (Sea Nymph) fountain is located in front of the square. This sculpture was made by Ville Walgren and installed here in 1908.

Not far from the square is the Palace of the President of the Republic. For some time it was the Finnish residence of the Russian emperors, and since 1919 this building has become the palace of the presidents of independent Finland.

TO retail space adjoining the Esplanadin puisto park, which is so pleasant to walk in the summer in the shade of large trees. At the beginning of the park there is a famous restaurant "Kappeli", and opposite it there is a summer theater "Espa", whose open stage often serves as a concert venue in warm weather.

Not far from the square (Kanavakatu street, 1) there is the Assumption Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in Western Europe. It was built in the pseudo-Byzantine style by the Russian architect A. M. Gornostaev in 1868.