Senate Square in Helsinki: photo

In this article, one of the curious historical places of the capital of Finland with its magnificent architectural structures (the Senate Square of Helsinki, the cathedral and much more) will be presented. But before we get acquainted with the city itself, with its main historical sights.

General information about the capital of Finland

Helsinki is the largest Finnish city, which is the administrative center of Uusimaa (province). It is located in the south of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland (the Baltic Sea). In total, 630,225 people live in it, 10% of which are foreign citizens. The city contains a lot of cultural and historical attractions, including the Senate Square. Helsinki is also one of the most unique cities in terms of its geographical location.

Location

The main part of Helsinki is located on a granite peninsula, located on the northern coast of the bay. In addition, around it stretched numerous rocky islands and islets with small coves and passages, representing magnificent, original natural landscapes.

Helsinki is of great interest to numerous foreign tourists and travelers. This city is great for hiking and cycling.

On the architecture of the city

Almost the entire area is surrounded by historical buildings from 1818-1852, the buildings designed by the German architect Karl L. Engel. In total, more than 30 buildings were built on his projects, and this is only the number of architectural structures that he built after Helsinki became the capital of the Finnish duchy within the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, this city was even called the White Capital of the North due to its similarity with the style of the buildings of St. Petersburg.

About some sights of the capital

Senate Square Helsinki is located in the central part of the city, in the area of Kruununhaka and, undoubtedly, is the main attraction of the city. But besides it there are many other remarkable historical places, attracting a huge number of tourists and travelers from abroad. They can not be listed and described, but it should be noted some of them.

In the area of Katajanokka (Cape Mozhzhevelovy) most of the buildings and buildings were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. Over this once former cape is dominated by the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. This is an amazing beauty Uspensky cathedral.

In the area of Kanavarante (embankment at the canal) there is a guest berth for yachts and boats, warehouses built in the 1800s. There are many shops and restaurants.

There is also the Sofiankatu museum street in Helsinki, which is the only museum in the city, open day and night. Here is presented the whole amazing story of the construction of streets and street equipment. The oldest building (the Sederholm house), located in the historical part of the capital, is one of the branches of the city museum.

Senate Square (Helsinki): Cathedral, photo, description

The square has its own unique history. In the 17th century, the town hall, the market, the cemetery and the church were located on the site of its current location. In 1812 the Russian Emperor Alexander II proclaimed this city the capital of the Grand Duchy and gave the order to build a new city center.

The whole territory is a unique complex, executed in the style of neoclassicism. The main in it are 4 buildings, which were designed in 1822-1852 by KL Engel. They are the magnificent cathedral, the national library, the building of the State Council and the main building of the university.

Senate Square in Helsinki (photo above) has an amazing work of art on its territory - a magnificent cathedral built on a high hill. Its erection was begun in 1830. In 1840, after the death of the designer Engel, construction was continued by his successor Ernst Lormann. As a result, the cathedral was opened in 1852.

Initially, it was called Nikolaevsky, since it was dedicated to St. Nicholas (patron sailors), which was also an expression of a kind of homage to Nicholas II, by order of which the cathedral was adorned with 12 sculptures on the roof of the sculptors (works of German sculptors). They were cast in 1845-1847 and in 1849 were installed at the cathedral. The statues represent an impressive collection of zinc sculptures of world significance.

In the interior of the cathedral there are statues of famous historical figures: Martin Luther, Mikael Agricola and Philip Melanchthon. In 1959 the building received the status of a cathedral, after which it became the main not only in the city, but also in the country. Here, both usual and solemn services are always held, in addition, the cathedral is always open to people. The Senate Square of Helsinki is quite popular among the many tourists. Its address is: Unioninkatu Street, 29.

Other sights of the square

A surprisingly large number of historically interesting architectural structures was placed by Senate Square. Helsinki was once a place of residence and Swedish merchants. On the southern side of this historical zone, beautiful mansions (18th-century buildings) were built. Among them stands the oldest stone house in the capital, Sederholm (1757), which has housed a museum in its premises today.

To the right of the cathedral is the State Council building, part of which was completed in 1822. It is intended for the Imperial Senate and for the current government. Above the entrance there is a beautiful room in Empire style - the Presidential Hall (formerly the Throne). There is no public access for citizens to this building.

In addition to all of the above, Senate Square Helsinki placed in its territories and the central building of the University (1832 - the year of construction). The main building of the university is presented in its original form (the same auditorium and the main hall).

The square also houses a bronze monument to the famous Russian emperor Alexander II (author - Walter Runeberg, building of 1894) in connection with the special attitude of the Finnish people to him. As mentioned above, the Russian emperor granted autonomy to the Finns. Surrounds the statue is a sculptural group: Mir, Law, Light and Trud.

A lot of quite interesting historical information is in itself the Senate Square of Helsinki.

Monument to Alexander the Second

This sculptural work is one of those few pre-revolutionary surviving monuments to the Russian emperor - the great emperor-liberator.

It is the best achievement of the sculptural art of Finland of the XIX century. The Great Emperor is depicted here in the same guise that he had at the time of the speech, which spoke of granting Finland the very rights of autonomy (1863). The Finnish people as a token of gratitude to their liberator collected their own money to erect a monument to the emperor.

Bronze sculpture in height is 3.23 meters, and it stands on a pedestal made of red granite. As a result, its total height is 10.67 meters.

The date of receipt of autonomy is carved on the pedestal of the monument.

About the location of the square

Surprisingly a lot of interesting architectural structures accommodate on its territory Senate Square (Helsinki). How to get to it to see all this splendor?

This square represents the center of Helsinki. From the central railway station, it is located about 2 blocks to the east. You can get there by trams, which are also nearby.

Up to the area from the central port - about 2.3 kilometers. If you walk, it is advisable to follow Bulivardi Street. On the metro you need to go from the station Ruoholahden to Kaisaniemen. Every day from Russia (St. Petersburg) there is a fixed-route taxi, which can deliver anyone who wishes directly to the Senate Square.

Conclusion

Senate Square in general, as well as almost all its architectural structures, is one of the most famous and noteworthy symbols of the capital of Finland. The main square of Helsinki is the religious, political and social center of the country.

In summer, the Senate Square is filled with people in connection with the various concerts and festivals held there. But especially lavish solemn events are held on the birthday of the city (June 12) and during the Helsinki Festival, which is held here annually. All of them are amazing colorful, spectacular and fascinating performances that are worth seeing.