Last Updated: March 25, 2024 |Tracue
Turku Castle | Everything You Need to Know
Turku Castle is an interesting place for travelers. About 200,000 tourists visit Turku Castle every year. Turku Castle is a medieval castle in Finland that was founded in the 13th century. The castle is one of the oldest structures in Finland and the largest of the medieval structures. The fort played an important role in many medieval power struggles and conflicts. It was a defensive fort and was used as a royal residence for centuries. Turku Castle has witnessed numerous historical events. Today, Turku Castle stands as a charming and historical structure.
The Colorful History of Turku Castle
Finland was known as a province of Sweden, which is why the Swedish Crown probably started the construction of Turku Castle in 1280. Later, its defenses were strengthened, and it began to serve as a residence.
Architectural Evolution of Turku Castle:
Turku Castle was built at the mouth of the Aura River for strategic reasons, serving as a defensive fort to protect the area from attacks. Its primary objective was to secure the Swedish Crown’s control over Finland and establish authority over neighboring lands. Following Gustav Vasa’s ascension to the throne, his son John was appointed Duke and head of the Finnish administration, leading to significant expansions of the main part of the castle.The palace has two main parts: a medieval keep and a bailey. Construction of the keep was completed in the 15th century, and the bailey began in the late 15th century with construction completed in the 16th century.. During the Renaissance, many changes were made to most rooms in the old medieval section of the palace. After that time, no more parts were added to the historic fort.
Conquests & Tragedies :
Looking at the colorful history of Turku Castle, it is known that for several centuries it has been ruled by one person after another, including Sheriff, Commander, Regent, Duke, and Governor General. In 1318, Russian invaders from Novgorod destroyed Turku Castle. From 1395 to 1398, Turku Castle was commanded by Squire Knut Bosson Grip, who maintained close ties with the Victual Brothers and their leadership. Turku Castle probably served as a stronghold for the notorious pirates known as the Victual Brothers. In the early 15th century, pirates and Russians invaded Turku, causing extensive destruction to the cathedral.
The most tragic among the various disasters was the catastrophic event of 1614, during King Gustav II Adolf’s visit to the castle, when a fire broke out. This fire almost completely destroyed the castle’s original wooden structure. Subsequently, the original castle was abandoned and partially repurposed as a storePart of the history of the fort was its transformation into a prison that lasted from the 18th to the late 19th century. The fort was used by the Russian Navy when the Finnish War broke out in 1808, and was handed over to the authorities after the country was granted autonomous status within the Russian Empire a few decades later.
A Journey of Restoration:
The renovation of the castle was undertaken before the Second World War. Renovations were hampered by Finland’s two wars with the Soviet Union, notably in 1941 when Russian incendiary bombs hit the main fortress, causing extensive damage. The renovation work was completed in 1987. The fully restored castle was handed over to the city of Turku on October 12, 1993. The Turku Historical Museum was established in 1981 at the Bailey.
Exploring the Riches of the Turku Museum Collection:
The Turku Museum has more than 600 objects in its own collection, along with about 200 costumes and unique accessories. Lustrous silk, porcelain, shiny glass, soft velvet, and gold and silver items are beautifully arranged on display. These include women’s riding jackets from the 1780s to 1790s decorated with gold buttons, as well as a handmade wedding mat from 1734.
Significant Rooms and Areas
The bailey:
Bailey served various purposes as defense, housing for soldiers or servants, storage of supplies, and ceremonial venues. Like many medieval castles, Turku Castle had a complex layout with multiple layers of defenses including walls, towers and gates, with the bailey serving as an important element of the overall defensive structure. Today, the bailiwick area of Turku Castle is often used for cultural events, exhibitions and tourist attractions, allowing visitors to explore the history and architecture of this iconic Finnish landmark.
The keep :
The keep used to serve as the fortified center of Turku Castle. This mighty structure housed the Lord’s Chamber, the Treasury, and administrative offices, ensuring the protection of the castle and its inhabitants. It also served as a refuge during attacks by outsiders. Experiencing the history of the keep while visiting it is an exhilarating experience that leaves one thrilled
The Chapel:
If you’ve been thinking about visiting Turku Castle’s chapel, you can head out today. The chapel is situated within the historic walls of the castle. Standing as a fine example of Finnish history and architecture, the chapel will immerse you in the serene atmosphere of this holy place as you step through its ancient gates. Its architectural splendor, with soaring arches and intricate stone carvings, will captivate visitors of all ages. The chapel holds deep spiritual significance for its inhabitants, decorated with stained glass windows and religious statues. It served as a sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and religious ceremonies.
The medieval King's Hall:
The medieval King’s Hall was the most important secular room in Finland from the 14th to the mid-16th century. Almost every medieval Swedish ruler enjoyed this hall. Both Finland and the rest of the kingdom were ruled from this place. Various ceremonies were celebrated here. This room has large Gothic windows and two smaller rooms between the rooms. One was a medieval privy (toilet) used by the king himself, and the other was used as a storage space.
The King's Hall:
The King’s Hall stands as a magnificent testament to the Renaissance aesthetics. This hall is more spacious, with large windows, high ceilings. It was known as the Duke’s Hall in the 16th century and was later used as an armory in the 18th century, but is now used as a banqueting hall.
The Queen's Hall:
Adjacent to King’s Hall is the equally majestic Queen’s Hall, a testament to its 16th-century grandeur. At the time, it was called Duchess Hall, used by Catherine Jagillon. Its walls and ceilings were decorated with rich panelling, elegant fabrics were draped gracefully from above, while royal tapestries decorated the walls creating an atmosphere of incomparable beauty.
Surrounding Environment:
Surrounding the castle is a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Nearby, visitors can explore the scenic Aura Riverside Walk, enjoying a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. Turku Cathedral, a magnificent medieval church, stands a short distance from the castle; visitors can tour it if they wish and learn about its rich history.
Moreover, Turku Market Square is within walking distance, where travelers can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of local markets, shops, and cafes. Additionally, the Turku Art Museum and the Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova Museums highlight the cultural richness with their various exhibitions and collections, further enhancing the attractions surrounding Turku Castle for both history buffs and wanderlust enthusiasts.
Turku Castle Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm (Summer: Daily 10 am to 6 pm)
Tips for a memorable visit:
Timing: If you want to avoid the crowd, you can go early in the morning or in the afternoon, especially when many tourists come during those seasons
Interactive Exhibition: If you want to know better about the history and significance of Turku Castle, you can visit the interactive exhibition inside the castle.
Photography: Don’t forget to take your camera when visiting Turku Castle! The architecture and interiors of the fort are great for photography.
Special Events: Keep an eye out for special events hosted at the fort, such as historical reenactments, concerts and art exhibitions. These events can add new dimensions to your enjoyment of sightseeing.
