Finland Turku History: A Look at the Rich Past of this Ancient City
Turku, the oldest city in Finland, is located on the south-western coast of the country. It has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 13th century, when it was founded by Swedish settlers. The city has since been home to many different cultures and has been an important center of trade and culture for centuries.
The city of Turku was first mentioned in a document from 1229, and it is believed that it was founded by Swedish settlers in the late 12th century. The city was an important trading center during the Middle Ages, and it was the seat of the Bishop of Turku from 1291 until the mid-16th century. During this time, the city played an important role in the development of the Finnish language, as it was the first place where Finnish was used as an official language.
In the 16th century, the city was conquered by the Russians and became part of the Russian Empire. During this period, the city was heavily fortified and it became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. In 1809, Finland was annexed by Russia and Turku became the capital of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland.
In 1812, the city was destroyed by a fire, but it was quickly rebuilt and continued to flourish. During this time, it became the cultural and educational center of the country, and many of the city’s most important buildings were constructed during this period.
In 1917, Finland declared independence from Russia and Turku became the capital of the newly independent country. The city was the site of the first meeting of the newly formed Finnish Parliament in 1918, and it was also the location of the first Finnish presidential election in 1919.
During World War II, the city was heavily damaged by Allied bombings, but it was quickly rebuilt after the war. The city has since become a vibrant and modern metropolis, and it is now the fifth-largest city in Finland.
Today, Turku is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to many museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions. It is also a popular destination for business travelers, and it is home to several universities and other higher education institutions.
Turku is a city with a rich and fascinating history, and it is well worth exploring. From its medieval origins to its modern-day status as a thriving metropolis, the city has a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in its culture, its architecture, or its history, Turku is sure to have something to offer everyone.