Turku history

Foundation and First Mentions

Turku is Finland's oldest city, with a history rooted in the Middle Ages. The exact date of its foundation is not recorded in documents, as the city formed gradually; however, 1229 is traditionally considered the starting point. It was then that Pope Gregory IX, in a letter, ordered the transfer of the residence of the Bishop of Finland to the banks of the Aura River, providing a powerful impulse for the settlement's development.

The city's name eloquently speaks of its initial function: it derives from the Old East Slavic word tǔrgǔ, meaning "market" or "trading place". The Swedish name for the city, Åbo, translates as "river settlement", highlighting the importance of the waterway for the lives of its citizens.

Key Factors of Development

Turku's transformation into the region's main centre was driven by a fortunate combination of several factors:

• Geography: Its location at the mouth of the Aura River, flowing into the Archipelago Sea, made the city an ideal port. This was a natural entry point for ships arriving from Sweden and other Baltic region countries.
• Trade: Thanks to its convenient harbour, Turku quickly became part of the Hanseatic League's trade network. Here, furs, fish, and butter were exchanged for salt, fabrics, and spices from Europe.
• Administrative and Spiritual Authority: The construction of Turku Castle (begun in the late 13th century) and the Cathedral cemented the city's status as the secular and religious capital of the region, which was then known as Österland (Eastland).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the Middle Ages, Turku was a lively cosmopolitan centre. Spiritual and educational life flourished around the Cathedral: the country's first school was opened here. The city's economy was built on fairs and craftsmanship, attracting merchants from German lands who introduced their traditions and architectural trends.

One of the most beautiful historical traditions originating in that period and preserved to this day is the declaration of the Christmas Peace. Annually, a proclamation calling for calm and harmony during the holidays is read from the balcony of the Brinkkala Mansion, underscoring Turku's long-standing role as the cultural heart of the country.

Major Milestones in Turku's History

• 1229 — Pope Gregory IX sanctions the transfer of the bishop's residence to the banks of the Aura River, accepted as the beginning of the city's official history.
• 1280 — Construction begins on Turku Castle, which became the administrative centre and main fortress of the region.
• 1300 — The solemn consecration of the Cathedral takes place, becoming the spiritual heart of all Finland.
• 1640 — The Royal Academy of Åbo is founded, the first higher education institution in the country.
• 1809 — Turku becomes the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland.
• 1812 — By decree of Emperor Alexander I, capital status is transferred to Helsinki, but Turku remains a vital city on the west coast.
• 1827 — The Great Fire destroys three-quarters of the city's wooden buildings, necessitating a complete redesign of the streets.
• 1828 — The University is moved to the new capital, yet the city retains its status as the country's ecclesiastical centre.
• 1918 — Åbo Akademi is founded, the only Swedish-language university outside of Sweden.
• 1920 — The University of Turku opens — the world's first fully Finnish-language university, created through citizens' donations.
• 2011 — The city receives the prestigious status of European Capital of Culture, boosting tourism and urban development.

Key Stages of City Development

The history of Turku is a series of ascents, tragedies, and revivals. Below are the main milestones that shaped the modern economic and architectural appearance of Finland's first capital.

• Hanseatic Period and Commercial Flourishing.
  In the Middle Ages, Turku became a crucial link in the Baltic Sea trade chain. Entering the sphere of influence of the Hanseatic League turned the city into the region's main export port. This ensured economic prosperity for the merchant class and an influx of foreign craftsmen who laid the foundations of urban culture.

• The Age of Enlightenment (1640).
  The founding of the Royal Academy of Åbo by Governor-General Per Brahe radically changed the city's status. Turku ceased to be merely a trading and administrative hub, transforming into the cradle of Finnish science and education. This event laid the foundation for the formation of the national intelligentsia.

• Urban Planning Revolution after the 1827 Fire.
  The Great Fire, which destroyed almost the entire wooden city, became a turning point in architecture. German architect Carl Ludvig Engel developed a new master plan: instead of chaotic medieval alleys, a strict grid of wide avenues, parks, and stone buildings in the Empire style appeared. This layout is preserved in the city centre to this day.

• Industrialisation and Shipbuilding (19th–20th Centuries).
  With the development of industry, the banks of the Aura River filled with shipyards and factories. Shipbuilding became the locomotive of Turku's economy. The city secured a reputation as a centre of maritime technology, where the world's largest cruise liners are built today.

• Revival of University Status (Early 20th Century).
  After the transfer of the old academy to Helsinki, Turku temporarily lost its role as an educational leader. However, in the early 20th century, thanks to private donations, two new universities were opened here: the Swedish-speaking Åbo Akademi and the Finnish-speaking University of Turku. This returned the title of intellectual capital to the city and attracted thousands of students.

• Riverside Revitalisation and 2011.
  In the 21st century, a significant transformation of the urban environment occurred: industrial facilities were moved out of the centre, and the Aura River embankment turned into the main public space with dining venues and art installations. Receiving the status of European Capital of Culture in 2011 cemented Turku's image as a modern European city of arts and event tourism.

Architectural Mosaic: From Medieval to Modernism

The architectural appearance of Turku is unique in its multi-layered nature. Due to the Great Fire of 1827, a cohesive medieval old town, typical of Tallinn or Stockholm, has not been preserved here. Instead, Turku presents a fascinating interweaving of surviving antiquity, strict 19th-century Classicism, and bold Finnish Modernism.

Middle Ages: Brick Gothic

The oldest buildings in the city date back to the era of Swedish rule and represent monumental structures that survived all urban catastrophes. This period is characterised by massive walls, the use of red brick, and defensive functions.

• Turku Cathedral: The prime example of Brick Gothic in Finland. Its spire is the dominant feature of the historic centre, while its massive vaults reflect the spiritual power of the medieval church.
• Turku Castle (Åbo Castle): Originally a military fortress, later rebuilt in the Renaissance style. It is a stern complex of grey stone that has served as the guardian of the Aura River mouth for centuries.

Classicism and Empire: Engel's City

After the fire of 1827, the city was effectively rebuilt according to the master plan of architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Chaotic medieval development was replaced by a "garden city" with wide straight streets and fire-safety avenues.

• Urban Planning: A strict street grid (grid plan) was implemented, which still shapes the city centre.
• Style: Buildings of this period are distinguished by symmetry, light plastered facades, columns, and porticos.
• Landmarks: The Swedish Theatre building (though the facade was altered later), the Orthodox Church of the Holy Martyr Alexandra, and the Old Great Square ensemble.

National Romanticism and Art Nouveau (Jugend)

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, on the wave of national awakening, buildings in the "Northern Modern" (Jugend) style appeared in Turku. Architects used local natural stone and motifs from Finnish folklore.

• Turku Art Museum: A majestic granite building on Puolalanmäki Hill, reminiscent of a fairytale castle.
• Michael's Church: A striking example of the transition from Neo-Gothic to National Romanticism, created by architect Lars Sonck. Its sharp spires form a recognisable silhouette in the western part of the city.

Functionalism: A New Aesthetic

In the 1920s and 1930s, Turku became the cradle of Finnish Functionalism. Architects abandoned decoration in favour of light, hygiene, and practicality of form. This style became the hallmark of modern Finland.

• Alvar Aalto and Erik Bryggman: Two great architects who worked in Turku and defined the development of this movement.
• Turun Sanomat Building: Designed by Alvar Aalto, it is considered a manifesto of Functionalism. Attention is drawn to the "ribbon" windows and the famous concrete columns in the printing hall.
• Resurrection Chapel: A masterpiece by Erik Bryggman at the city cemetery, where architecture harmoniously merges with the surrounding forest and the play of light.

Modern Development: River Revitalization

In the 21st century, the urban planning focus shifted to the banks of the Aura River. Former industrial zones and shipyards are being transformed into residential lofts, cultural spaces, and restaurants, while preserving the industrial aesthetic ("red brick and glass"). This process has turned the embankment into the city's main promenade artery.

Notable Figures Connected to Turku

The rich history of Turku is inextricably linked with the names of people who influenced not only the development of the city but also the culture of all Finland and Europe. Below are key figures from different eras.

• Mikael Agricola (c. 1510–1557)
  Bishop, Reformer, and Humanist
  Served as the Bishop of Turku and went down in history as the "father of written Finnish". It was in Turku that he wrote and published the first book in the Finnish language — the primer "ABC-kiria", and also translated the New Testament. His work laid the foundation for national culture and education.

• Per Brahe the Younger (1602–1680)
  Governor-General of Finland
  A Swedish statesman who played a decisive role in the city's development in the 17th century. He founded the Royal Academy of Åbo (the country's first university) and actively developed trade and infrastructure. His contribution is immortalised in the well-known Finnish saying "in the Count's time" (kreivin aikaan), meaning "at the very best, most opportune time".

• Johan Gadolin (1760–1852)
  Chemist, Physicist, and Mineralogist
  A professor at the Royal Academy of Åbo who gained worldwide fame as the discoverer of the chemical element yttrium. He is called the "father of Finnish chemistry". Gadolin's laboratory in Turku was one of the advanced scientific centres of Europe at that time.

• Carl Ludvig Engel (1778–1840)
  Architect
  Although Engel's name is often associated with Helsinki, it was he who created the new master plan for Turku after the devastating fire of 1827. His urban planning concept with wide streets and stone buildings in the Empire style defined the modern look of the city's historic centre.

• Paavo Nurmi (1897–1973)
  Track and Field Athlete, Olympic Champion
  The legendary "Flying Finn", born in Turku. He won nine gold and three silver medals at the Olympic Games, becoming one of the most outstanding athletes of the 20th century. A monument is dedicated to him in Turku, and the city stadium bears his name.

• Alvar Aalto (1898–1976)
  Architect and Designer
  The world-renowned master of Modernism lived and worked in Turku in the late 1920s. It was here that he designed the Turun Sanomat newspaper headquarters, which became a manifesto of Functionalism and brought him international recognition.

• Mauno Koivisto (1923–2017)
  9th President of Finland
  A native of Turku who rose from a harbour docker to the head of state. His biography is closely linked to the city: here he studied at the university and began his political career in the city council. Koivisto remains a symbol of Finnish social mobility and democracy.