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| '''Turku''' (] ''Åbo'') is a city in the south-western corner of ] at the mouth of the Aura river. Due to its history and location, over 5% of its inhabitants are Swedish speakers | '''Turku''' (] ''Åbo'') is a city in the south-western corner of ] at the mouth of the Aura river. Due to its history and location, over 5% of its inhabitants are Swedish speakers | ||
Revision as of 12:30, 7 January 2003
Turku (Swedish Åbo) is a city in the south-western corner of Finland at the mouth of the Aura river. Due to its history and location, over 5% of its inhabitants are Swedish speakers
Until 1812, Turku was the capital of Finland - then part of the kingdom of Sweden. When the territory fell to Russia, the Russians moved the capital to Helsinki (more convenient for the new rulers) where it has been ever since.
Turku retained its university until 1850 when, after a disastrous fire, that too moved to Helsinki.
Today Turku remains the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. The 14th century cathedral there is one of only 3 remaining brick buildings of that date.
Turku Castle was founded in the 13th century, built on an island to guard the entrance to the river. As the Finnish land mass has been gradually rising ever since the end of the last ice-age, the island was assimilated into the mainland and the castle now stands some distance from the river.
Tourist attractions include:
- The Aboa Vetus museum, built over the site of archaeological excavations of 14th century remains
- Moomin World in nearby Naantali