Mariehamn history

Foundation and First Mentions

Mariehamn is a comparatively young city, with its official history beginning in the 19th century. It was founded on February 21, 1861 by decree of the Russian Emperor Alexander II. The city's name translates as "Maria's Harbour" and was given in honour of the Emperor's consort, Maria Alexandrovna.

The idea of establishing a city on this site existed long before the official decree, as local residents were in need of a trading hub for the archipelago. From the moment of its foundation, Mariehamn began to develop rapidly, following a strict urban plan with wide, straight streets.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into the capital of the Åland Islands was driven by several important circumstances:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on a narrow peninsula, which allowed for the organization of two deep-water harbours — the Western and the Eastern. This provided protection from winds and convenient access for vessels.
• Free Trade Strategy: Its status as a port open to international trade attracted merchants and entrepreneurs, contributing to rapid economic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Mariehamn formed a unique character, combining the features of a port city and a resort:

• Maritime Traditions: Shipping became the foundation of the economy. Local shipowners began actively developing a sailing fleet, which subsequently brought the city global fame as the "home of the last windjammers".
• Resort Life: In the late 19th century, a sanatorium (Badhus) was built in the city, turning Mariehamn into a popular holiday destination for the nobility. It was during this period that the famous linden avenues were planted, thanks to which Mariehamn is often called the "City of a Thousand Lindens".

Timeline of Mariehamn's Development

The history of Mariehamn is inextricably linked with the sea, trade, and the development of the autonomy of the Åland Islands. Below are the key dates that shaped the appearance of the modern capital of the archipelago.

• 1861 — Emperor Alexander II signs the decree on the foundation of the city, named in honour of his wife Maria Alexandrovna.
• 1889 — Opening of the Spa House (Badhuset) and the beginning of Mariehamn's formation as a popular spa resort.
• 1913 — Shipowner Gustaf Erikson founds his company, which would subsequently assemble the world's last great fleet of commercial sailing ships.
• 1917 — The first meeting of the city council is held, marking the beginning of local municipal self-government.
• 1921 — The League of Nations secures the status of the Åland Islands as an autonomous demilitarized territory, and Mariehamn is confirmed as its capital.
• 1954 — The Åland Islands' own flag is officially raised over Mariehamn Town Hall for the first time.
• 1957 — The legendary four-masted barque Pommern becomes a museum ship and drops anchor in the Western Harbour.
• 1959 — The first voyage of the ferry S/S Viking marks the beginning of the era of regular ferry connections with Sweden and mainland Finland.
• 1981 — The new building of the Åland Maritime Museum opens, becoming one of the main custodians of the city's history.
• 1991 — The updated Autonomy Act comes into force, expanding the administrative and cultural rights of the regional capital.
• 2009 — The Alandica Culture and Congress Centre opens on the bay's shore, becoming the main stage for city events.
• 2011 — Mariehamn celebrates the 150th anniversary of its foundation on a grand scale.

Development Milestones and Their Significance for Mariehamn

Mariehamn's development was non-linear: from a modest settlement to a maritime capital and a modern tourism hub. Several key stages can be highlighted that radically changed the city's appearance and economy.

• Implementation of the Regular Urban Plan (1860s)
  Architect Georg Theodor von Chiewitz designed the city with wide straight streets and an esplanade.
  Significance: This decision not only ensured fire safety (the scourge of wooden cities at that time) but also laid the foundation for the famous linden avenues, thanks to which Mariehamn is known today as the "City of a Thousand Lindens".
• Status as an International Resort (Late 19th Century)
  The construction of the "Badhus" health spa attracted tourists from St. Petersburg and Sweden.
  Significance: The city received a tourism specialization for the first time. Income from holidaymakers allowed for the improvement of embankments and parks, forming the cosy atmosphere that attracts guests to this day.
• Golden Age of the Sailing Fleet (1920s–1940s)
  Thanks to the activities of shipowner Gustaf Erikson, Mariehamn became the home port for the world's largest fleet of windjammers.
  Significance: This period brought the city significant capital and worldwide fame. The economic foundation laid then is still felt in the region's prosperity, and the sailing ship Pommern has become the main symbol of the city.
• Ferry Revolution (from 1959)
  Launch of regular ferry services to mainland Finland and Sweden (Viking Line, Silja Line).
  Significance: This event brought the city out of isolation. Mariehamn turned into a bustling transit hub. Duty-free trade on board (Tax Free) became a powerful driver of the economy, ensuring a flow of tourists all year round.
• Formation of the Administrative Centre (1970s)
  Construction of the Self-Government building complex (Självstyrelsegården) and the Åland Museum.
  Significance: The city acquired a monumental architectural ensemble, visually cementing its status as the capital of an autonomous region. This shifted the focus from a purely port function to an administrative and cultural one.
• Creation of the Maritime Quarter (Sjökvarteret) (1990s – Present)
  Revitalization of the eastern embankment and creation of a traditional shipbuilding zone.
  Significance: The project allowed for the preservation of vanishing crafts and created a new attraction for tourists interested in living history and wooden architecture.

Urban Planning Concept: Imperial Legacy

Mariehamn is a unique example of a city built "from scratch" according to a unified regular plan. In 1861, architect Georg Theodor von Chiewitz established a strict grid of wide straight streets as the city's foundation. This was dictated not only by aesthetics but also by fire safety requirements: wide avenues and the famous linden esplanade crossing the city from west to east were intended to prevent the spread of fire in the wooden development.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Since Mariehamn was founded only in the mid-19th century, medieval Gothic or Baroque styles are absent here. The city's appearance is formed by the styles of the last century and a half, creating a cosy and eclectic atmosphere.

• Wooden Architecture and "Swiss Chalet Style" (Late 19th Century)
  The oldest and most charming part of the city. Local craftsmen adapted elements of Russian Empire style and European decor to wood. Characteristic features: carved frames, verandas, turrets, and pastel tones of facades.
  Iconic Sites: Wooden villas on Södragatan street. A special contribution was made by Hilda Hongell — Finland's first female master builder, who designed many of these elegant houses.
• National Romanticism and Art Nouveau (Early 20th Century)
  With the growth of wealth that came with the development of the fleet, stone buildings began to appear in the city. This style is characterized by the use of natural stone, asymmetry, and massive forms inspired by medieval Northern traditions.
  Iconic Sites: St. George's Church (S:t Görans kyrka), designed by the famous architect Lars Sonck.
• Nordic Functionalism (1930s–1960s)
  A period when decor was replaced by conciseness, light, and convenience. Buildings of this time are distinguished by strict geometry, flat roofs, and large windows.
  Iconic Sites: Mariehamn Town Hall (1939), also a work by Lars Sonck, demonstrating the transition from Classicism to Functionalism, and the Maritime Museum building.
• Late Modernism (1970s)
  The era of the formation of the autonomy's administrative centre. The architecture became monumental, emphasizing the status of the capital, yet harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
  Iconic Sites: The "Project 77" complex by architect Helmer Stenros, including the Parliament building (Självstyrelsegården) and the Åland Museum.
• Contemporary Architecture (21st Century)
  Modern buildings in Mariehamn gravitate towards high-tech and eco-friendliness, actively using glass to connect the interior with sea views.
  Iconic Sites: The Alandica Culture and Congress Centre (2009) on the bay shore and the expansion of the city library.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Mariehamn

The history of Mariehamn is inextricably linked with the names of people who, through their labour, talent, and ambitions, turned a small settlement into a thriving maritime capital. Here are the key figures who shaped the appearance and character of the city.

• Maria Alexandrovna (1824–1880)
  Russian Empress, wife of Alexander II
  Although she never lived in the city, her role is fundamental. It was in her honour that the city received its name in 1861 — "Maria's Harbour" (Mariehamn). The Empress personally donated funds for the development of the new settlement, which gave impetus to its initial establishment.
• Gustaf Erikson (1872–1947)
  Shipowner, "King of Sailing Ships"
  The most famous figure in the history of the Åland Islands. While the world was switching to steam engines, Erikson bought up large sailing ships (windjammers) and made this business profitable. Thanks to him, Mariehamn became the home port of the world's last and largest fleet of commercial sailing ships, and the famous barque Pommern has been preserved to this day as a museum.
• Hilda Hongell (1867–1952)
  Finland's first female master builder
  A native of Mariehamn who largely defined the charming look of the "wooden city". She designed over 100 buildings, many of which (especially on Södragatan street) are still preserved. Her style was distinguished by elegant verandas and decorative carved elements.
• Lars Sonck (1870–1956)
  Architect
  An outstanding representative of National Romanticism, whose work defined the monumental appearance of Mariehamn. It was according to his designs that the main stone landmarks of the city were built: St. George's Church and the City Town Hall. Sonck masterfully combined granite and brick, creating buildings that harmonize with the rugged nature of the archipelago.
• Nikolai Sittkoff (1828–1887)
  Merchant and Entrepreneur
  One of the first settlers and pioneers of business in Mariehamn. He founded the first trading house in the city and actively promoted the development of local shipping. Sittkoff was a key figure in the establishment of the city's economic independence, and today the main shopping gallery in the centre bears his name, and a monument to him stands on one of the streets.
• Georg Theodor von Chiewitz (1815–1862)
  Provincial Architect and Urban Planner
  The author of Mariehamn's master plan. It was he who laid out the very regular grid of streets and the wide linden esplanade that make the city so convenient and green today. His far-sighted planning allowed the city to grow while maintaining its structure and fire safety.