"Herttuli's new Turku Page" a Turku Travel Page by Herttuli

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TURKU, in the South-Western corner of Finland at the mouth of the idyllic River Aura, offers a cross-section of lifestyles and events what many consider the best in Finland. In Turku and surroundings there are some of Finland's oldest and most interesting sights, wonderfully entertaining family attractions, archipelago holidays in the islands and in peaceful rural areas with unique options for nature enthusiasts as well.
Turku is Finland's oldest city, the former capital of the whole country and today the capital of its region, the Southwest Finland or Finland Proper as the region is also called. Turku is also known as Christmas City of Finland with a chain of events from the end of November through to mid-January.

The town developed around an ancient trading post in the heart of the area with the oldest cultural traditions in the country. As no documents of foundation exist, the age of Turku is today counted from the Pope's letter dated 1229, giving permission to transfer the bishop´s seat to the banks of the River Aura. The erection of a cathedral and a castle was started in the 1280s. For centuries the castle played a prominent part in Finnish and Scandinavian history. It was bombed during World War II, but the damage was repaired. It houses a magnificent banqueting hall and a museum well worth a visit. Turku was the national capital until 1812, and has always been the seat of the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Finland.
Turku is also an educational centre. The first Finnish University founded in 1640 was transferred to Helsinki after the great fire in 1827. At present the city boasts of two universities, a Finnish and a Swedish High School of Economics and Business Administration, a conservatory and an arts highschool as well.
Turku is an important cultural and commercial centre and as well as a centre of the new technology such as biotechnology, biomedicine and ITC-techonology. The city is full of interesting annual events especially during summertime: a city festival DBTL in June, the oldest rock festival in Scandinavia, Ruisrock in July, a Medieval market and feast in July and Turku Music Festival in August. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the city has concerts on Thursdays and Fridays from September to May. The art museums house several exhibitions of national and international art yearly.
The population of Turku is approx. 170 000.