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 Villa full of music |
Tullisaaren ulkoilupuisto Helsinki 00840 Finland +358 9 698 0349 |
Tullisaari (also known as Tuurholma) manor has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Owners have included noblemen, captains and mayors; the manor has from time to time also been rented, the most famous tenant being Henrik Borgström (notorious in the 19th century for his spectacular social climb from an orphaned trainee to a rich tobacco and cotton trader, and notable socio-cultural figure who supported many artists and writers). The main building at Tuurholma manor burned down in 1958, a grave loss for Helsinki's cultural history. Aino Ackté's villa is the only original part of the old manor that remains. This villa was originally built in 1877 by architect Theodor Decker, for Borgström's daughter Emilie. One of the most famous visitors to the villa was storyteller Zacharias Topelius himself, whose wife was related to the owner. Aino Ackté's villa was named after the famous Finnish diva (1876-1944), wife of Jean Sibelius. Her fabulous voice was a success even in Paris and New York; in her home country she was a singer of Finnish operas and organised performances at Olavinlinna castle. She lived in this villa between 1917 and 1919, after which her daughter sold the house to the city of Helsinki. The villa can also be rented as an event venue. Call to enquire about opening times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 All you need to know about Helsinki |
19 Pohjoisesplanadi Helsinki, Southern Finland 00100 Finland +358 (0)9 169 3757 http://www.hel2.fi/Tourism/EN/... |
Helsinki is more than a city in the land of the midnight sun. There are things to do in this vibrant metropolis no matter what the season, no matter the amount of sunshine or moonlight. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau can provide you with information on activities ranging from Christmas fairs to ski team viewings. For information on upcoming events, visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stunning studio-home |
166 Hvitträskintie Luoma Helsinki 02440 Finland +358 9 221 9230 |
Hvitträsk is a glorious example of Finnish Art Nouveau at its best, a celebration of peasant culture. The red-topped log and stone building was completed in 1904, designed by Eliel Saarinen, whose home the building would become. Hvitträsk was also the studio and headquarters of the architect firm founded by Saarinen, Herman Geselius and Armas Lindgren. The building is complemented by a lakeside sauna by Reima Pietilä. Nowadays a museum, Hvitträsk was a cultural centre and played host to a whole range of artists, from Gorki to Gallen-Kallela. Its main feature is the parqueted main hall, with its seating arrangement decorated with tinted glass and majestic fireplace. Hvitträsk was designed to blend into its surroundings; the rocky outcrop, clear lake and thick forests are all in harmony with the form and materials of the house. Nowadays the building is a popular venue for parties. You can cap the night off with a sauna followed by a dip in the lake, or a nice barbecue. Hvitträsk is also a place drenched with history. Stories of ghosts, bodies and treasures hidden in the walls abound and have encouraged hundreds of people to go on treasure hunts in the area. The museum can be toured alone or with a guide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent state-owned manor |
Seutulantie Helsinki Finland +358 9 1608 8701 |
The State of Finland owns this gorgeous old yellow manor house in Vantaa, kept for representative purposes. Its roots date back to the seventeenth century, as does the name. Many Finnish citizens have seen it on TV at the time of high-class political visits and events. The manor has had a lot of noblemen and military officers as its owners. The imposing main building from 1816 dates back to the era of Councillor of State Hisinger. Tradition has it that the architect of this building was Engel himself, and that might be true. It was restored in 1915-1916 by another known Finnish architect, Jarl Eklund. The park and fruit garden are unique, with their impressive old trees. Many foreign top politicians have been seen jogging here in their free time. The façade of the main building has a terrace surrounded by Ionian columns with balustrades in a pompous and Imperialist fashion. The interior contains a lot of rare, valuable details such as French wallpaper dating back to the 1840s. The families that have owned this manor include the Couple of the "golden era", Major Gripenberg and his wife. The final heir, baroness Asta, had to sell the manor to the Finnish state 1961 after she realised how hard it was to manage such a big house. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The old palace of the president |
1 Pohjoisesplanadi Helsinki 00170 Finland |
The yellow-and-beige Presidential Palace stands right next to the Market Square. Its interiors are familiar to all Finns, thanks to the annual Independence Day celebrations held there. The Presidential Palace used to be a privately owned house, designed by Pehr Granstedt in 1818. The building became property of the state in 1837; in 1843, C.L. Engel, responsible for designing most of the city centre, made some alterations to the building, which then became the Finnish residence of the Czar. When Finland became independent, the building became the President's official residence. Nowadays the President has a new official residence, Mäntyniemi, but the Palace is still used often for state functions. The building is the site of important conferences and dinners, and the annual Independence Day ball. Tour Expert arranges guided tours of the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pasi Raiha |
 Photo: Ross Websdale  |
 Photo: Jerry Daykin |
 Photo: Daniel Coomber |
 Photo: elisabetta pino |
 Photo: Niklas Wilming |
 Photo: Elizabeth Walker |
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The Prime Minister's delightful villa |
Kesärannantie Helsinki 00250 Finland |
The Finnish Prime Minister's official residence, Kesäranta (Summer Shore) is a beautiful old villa, which is located a short distance from the city centre, in a nice park area in Meilahti. From 1904 onwards the villa was the official summer residence of the Russian chief representative of the Czar; when Finland gained independence in 1917, it was used for other purposes until finally becoming the Prime Minister's residence. This is a nice place to visit due to its lovely location and its charming appearance. The surrounding parks and islands also offer plenty of opportunities for relaxing. The building itself is known especially for its beautiful tower, restored to its original, decorative state in 1983. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Merchant Johan Sederholm's house from 1757 |
16-18 Aleksanterinkatu Helsinki 00170 Finland +358 9 169 3625 http://www.hel.fi/kaumuseo |
This simply adorable little blue house stands on the southeast corner of Senate Square, and can easily be recognised by its colour. This is Sederholm house, a branch of the Helsinki City Museum. Dating from 1757, it is the oldest building in the city centre, and the oldest stone building in the whole of Helsinki. Sederholm House was designed by S. Berner and commissioned by merchant Johan Sederholm. It stayed in his family until the year of 1822. The museum examines Johan Sederholm's life and through him the life in Helsinki in the 18th century. Admission is EUR3.36 for adults. Children and Helsinki Card-holders get in free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Amalgamation of Power, Turmoil and Progress |
Unioninkatu 29 Helsinki 00170 Finland +358 9 3101 3300 http://www.visitfinland.com/W5... |
The Senate Square is one of the architectural masterpieces created by C.L. Engel. The columns and porticoes of the Square resemble the Corinthian order seen in the Senate of Rome. The staircase in the main wing and the senate room on the first floor are considered to be one of the finest work in interiors. This monument along with the surrounding buildings forms a perfect example of Neo-Classic design. Right in the centre of the square is the statue of Emperor Alexander II-a sign of Finland's imperial relationship with Russia. Apart from being a major tourist attraction, this monument now hosts a number of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
