Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the castle's growth from a simple island fortress to a Renaissance palace. Guided tours in
English run several times daily from June to August.
Swedish Count Per Brahe ruled Finland from here in the 17th century, while Sweden's
deposed King Eric XIV was imprisoned in the castle's round tower in the late 16th cen-
tury. He was moved to several prisons including Åland's Kastelholms Slott to prevent his
discovery by rebels. Today most Finns recognise its distinctive architecture as the logo for
Turun Sinappi (Turku Mustard).
Turun Tuomiokirkko CATHEDRAL
(Turku Cathedral; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 02-261-7100; www.turunseurakunnat.fi ;cathedral free,
museum adult/child €2/1; cathedral & museum 9am-8pm mid-Apr-mid-Sep, 9am-7pm mid-
Sep-mid-Apr)
The 'mother church' of Finland's Lutheran faith, Turku Cathedral towers over the town.
Consecrated in 1300, the colossal brick Gothic building was rebuilt many times over the
centuries after damaging fires.
Upstairs, a small museum traces the stages of the cathedral's construction, and contains
medieval sculptures and religious paraphernalia.
The cathedral's pulpit was designed by German architect CL Engel (who in the spirit of
impartiality also built the Orthodox church on the market square). Romantic frescoes by
RW Ekman depict the baptism of Finland's first bishop and Gustav Wasa presenting the
nation with the first Finnish New Testament. Its most famous tomb belongs to Karin
Månsdotter (d 1613), Queen of Sweden and wife of the unfortunate Erik XIV.
Listen out for the distinctive hourly bell, broadcast across the country at noon via the ra-
dio station YLE1 - a patriotic reminder of the Continuation War, when Finns were urged
to pray together for victory at this designated hour.
Free summer organ concerts take place at 8pm Tuesday and 2pm Wednesday. English-
language services are held at 4pm every Sunday except the last of the month year-round.
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum MUSEUM
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 02-262-0350; www.turunmuseokeskus.fi ;Vartiovuorenkatu 2;adult/child
€6/4, guided tours €2.50; 10am-6pm daily Jun-Aug, 10am-6pm Tue-Sun May & early Sep-mid-
Sep, 10am-4pm Tue-Sun Dec-mid-Jan)
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