Saturday, June 18, 2016 | Language: Finnish | Currency: Euro | Population 184,000

How do you recognize a medieval European town? According to VisitFinland.com, it is the riverfront, the market square, the castle and the cathedral. That sounds just like Turku. 

It is believed that Turku came into existence during the end of the 13th century which makes it the oldest city in Finland. Turku was the most important city in Finland from the 1300s until 1812 when the Russians moved the capital to Helsinki (closer to Russia and farther from Sweden). Turku remained Finland’s main city for a while thereafter, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827 when a raging fire destroyed most of the city.

After walking through town, Edie and I ventured to Askainen to see some historic architecture and to Naantali for some Finnish scenery.

First to Louhisaari Manor, a castle built in the late medieval ages by the Fleming noble family. A rare example of Dutch Renaissance palatial architecture in Finland, the perfectly symmetrical main building dates to 1655 when the property was owned by a prominent Dutch family. Louhisaari belonged to the Fleming family for over 300 years until lack of money forced them to sell. Carl Eric Mannerheim purchased the property towards the end of the 18th century. His grandson, Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, who was born and raised here, became Finland’s 6th President. 

Venturing further south, we explored the seaside spa town of Naantali which retains much of its medieval ambiance. The massive old Catholic Church of St. Birgitta, with a spooky cemetery, especially in the rain, and the Finnish president’s residence are among the landmarks in this appealing town.