Savonlinna history

The history of Savonlinna is inextricably linked to the majestic Olavinlinna Castle. The actual beginning of the city's chronicles is considered to be 1475, when the Regent Erik Axelsson Tott founded the Castle of St. Olaf on a rocky island in the Kyrönsalmi Strait. A settlement quickly formed around the rising stronghold, growing and developing under its protection. Savonlinna received official city status in 1639 by the decree of Governor-General Per Brahe, becoming one of the oldest cities in inland Finland.

The transformation of a small settlement into an important urban centre was largely due to its unique geography. The city is located in the heart of the Saimaa lake system, where islands and straits made this place ideal for controlling waterways, which served as the main transport arteries at that time. The presence of a major castle turned Savonlinna into the administrative capital of the Savo region, attracting officials, nobility, and craftsmen, while its convenient location at the crossroads of routes promoted the development of fairs and constant trade.

In the first centuries of its existence, the city's economy was closely intertwined with the needs of the fortress. Local residents engaged in crafts necessary for servicing the garrison, as well as fishing and boat building. Trade in the region's natural resources—furs, tar, and timber—played an important role. Thanks to the castle, European cultural trends and architectural traditions penetrated Savonlinna, distinguishing the city favourably from the surrounding rural settlements.

Key Milestones in the History of Savonlinna

• 1475: Swedish Regent Erik Axelsson Tott founds Olavinlinna Fortress (St. Olaf's Castle) to defend the eastern borders.
• 1639: Governor-General Per Brahe officially grants city status to the settlement that grew around the castle.
• 1656–1658: During the Russo-Swedish War, the city suffers significant destruction, but the fortress withstands the siege.
• 1714: During the Great Northern War, Russian troops occupy the fortress, beginning a period known in Finnish historiography as the "Great Wrath".
• 1743: Under the terms of the Treaty of Åbo, Savonlinna comes under the rule of the Russian Empire, becoming part of "Old Finland".
• 1788: Under the leadership of Alexander Suvorov, large-scale works are carried out to strengthen the fortress's defensive structures.
• 1803: Emperor Alexander I visits the city, noting the picturesqueness of the local nature and the grandeur of the castle.
• 1812: Savonlinna, as part of the Vyborg Province, joins the Grand Duchy of Finland.
• 1856: The opening of the Saimaa Canal gives a powerful impetus to the economic development of the city, connecting the lake system with the sea.
• 1890s: The beginning of Savonlinna's development as a resort with the opening of a hydrotherapy spa and a casino on the islands.
• 1908: Completion of the railway construction, connecting the city to the country's general transport network.
• 1912: The famous singer Aino Ackté holds the first Opera Festival within the walls of the medieval fortress.
• 1917: After the declaration of Finland's independence, the city continues to develop as an important tourist and industrial centre.
• 1967: Revival of the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival, which eventually acquires international status.
• 1973: Significant expansion of the city territory through the merger with the greater part of the Sääminki municipality.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Savonlinna from a military outpost to the cultural capital of the Saimaa region passed through several key stages that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• Acquisition of City Status (1639)

  Official recognition of the settlement as a city provided a legal basis for the development of civil trade and crafts, allowing the economy to separate from solely military supply of the fortress. This marked the beginning of the formation of its own city administration and merchant class.

• Opening of the Saimaa Canal (1856)

  Connecting the lake system with the Gulf of Finland became a powerful economic driver. Savonlinna turned into an important logistics hub for timber export and passenger shipping, which led to the growth of the port and the appearance of the first industrial enterprises.

• Formation of Resort Infrastructure (1890s)

  The construction of a hydrotherapy spa and the famous Casino on Kasinosaari Island marked the transformation of the city into an elite resort. This attracted a flow of wealthy tourists from St. Petersburg and Helsinki, stimulating the development of the hotel business and services.

• Railway Connection (1908)

  The arrival of the railway solved the problem of the city's winter isolation when waterways froze. This event integrated Savonlinna into the national economy, accelerating the delivery of goods and simplifying travel for tourists all year round.

• Cultural Reorientation of the Fortress (1912)

  The first Opera Festival, organised by Aino Ackté, radically changed the significance of Olavinlinna Castle. From an obsolete defensive structure, it turned into a unique stage venue, laying the foundation for the city's future international brand.

• Industrial Growth (Mid-20th Century)

  In the post-war years, the industrial base was strengthened in the city, including wood processing, mechanical engineering, and electronics. This provided jobs and an influx of population, contributing to the construction of new residential areas outside the historic centre.

• Revival of the Festival (1967)

  The resumption of opera seasons on a regular basis became a turning point for the tourism economy. The city began a large-scale modernisation of infrastructure to receive thousands of international guests, finally securing the status of a European-level cultural centre.

• Urban Expansion (1973)

  Merging with the greater part of the Sääminki commune significantly increased the city's territory. This allowed for the implementation of new urban planning schemes, improvement of the transport network, and the creation of comfortable residential areas for the growing population.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban development of Savonlinna is dictated by its unique location on the islands and capes of Lake Saimaa. The city stretches along narrow isthmuses, and its architectural fabric represents a fusion of severe military fortification, wooden architecture of the resort era, and restrained Finnish modernism. Due to the complex terrain and abundance of water, bridges are not just transport arteries but also important elements of the cityscape.

Main Styles and Iconic Buildings

The architecture of the city is clearly divided into historical layers, each corresponding to a specific stage of the region's development:

• Medieval Fortification (XV–XVIII centuries)

  The dominant feature and starting point of urban planning is Olavinlinna Fortress. This is a classic example of northern military architecture. Originally built by the Swedes, it was later modernised under the leadership of Alexander Suvorov (bastion system). The style is characterised by massive stone masonry, round towers, and utilitarian severity.

• Wooden Architecture (XVIII–XIX centuries)

  The area around Linnankatu street has preserved the atmosphere of the old town. Traditional wooden buildings prevail here: one- and two-storey houses painted in ochre and red tones, forming a cosy, human-scale streetscape. This is the oldest residential quarter of the city.

• Neo-Gothic (Second half of the XIX century)

  A striking representative of the style is the Savonlinna Cathedral (1878). The red brick building, designed by architect Axel Hampus Dalström, rises on a hill and is distinguished by lancet windows and a soaring silhouette. During the Winter War, the cathedral was damaged but was restored with the simplification of some decorative elements.

• Resort Romanticism / "Swiss Style" (Late XIX – early XX century)

  In the era of Savonlinna's rise as an elite resort, elegant wooden villas with carved balconies and verandas appeared on Kasinosaari (Casino Islands). The Casino (Wanha Kasino) building (1896) is an example of light, intricate architecture designed to entertain and create a holiday atmosphere.

• Finnish Modernism and Functionalism (XX–XXI centuries)

  The modern look of the centre is formed by public buildings integrated into the natural landscape. An outstanding example is the City Library "Joel" (1995), designed by Arto Sipinen. The building embodies the principles of organic architecture: an abundance of glass, light tones, and a visual connection between the interior and the lake.

Layout Features

The historic centre of the city has shifted over time. While life originally bustled directly at the castle walls, the administrative and commercial centre later moved to Vääräsaari Island. The modern layout is linear: main highways pass through the islands, connecting them with a series of bridges, the most famous of which is the rail and road bridge across the Kyrönsalmi Strait.

Prominent Figures Associated with Savonlinna

The history of the city and the region is inextricably linked with the names of statesmen, commanders, and creators who left a noticeable mark on the culture and development of Finland.

• Erik Axelsson Tott (approx. 1419–1481)
  Swedish Regent, Statesman

  A key figure in the history of the region. It was he who initiated the construction of Olavinlinna Fortress (St. Olaf's Castle) on a rocky island in 1475, around which the city subsequently grew. A monument to the founder is installed on the castle grounds.

• Per Brahe the Younger (1602–1680)
  Governor-General of Finland

  A reformer who played a decisive role in the administrative establishment of Savonlinna. In 1639, by his decree, the settlement at the fortress officially received city status, which spurred the development of trade and civil administration.

• Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1729–1800)
  Commander, Military Engineer

  During the period when the region was part of the Russian Empire ("Old Finland"), Suvorov led the modernisation of the Olavinlinna fortifications. Under his supervision, a system of bastions was built, which has survived to this day.

• Aino Ackté (1876–1944)
  Opera Singer (Soprano), Prima Donna

  One of the most famous Finnish singers of international level. In 1912, she organised the first Opera Festival within the walls of the medieval fortress, turning Savonlinna into the cultural capital of the region. Her legacy continues to live on in the annual world-renowned festival.

• Joel Lehtonen (1881–1934)
  Writer, Classic of Finnish Literature

  Childhood and a significant part of the writer's life were spent in the vicinity of Savonlinna (Sääminki). His main work "Putkinotko" describes the life of local inhabitants. A monument to the writer is installed in the city centre.

• Tuomo Ylipulli (1965–2021)
  Athlete (Ski Jumping)

  A native of Savonlinna who reached the pinnacle of winter sports. He became an Olympic champion in team competitions at the 1988 Games in Calgary, as well as a two-time world champion.