Turku: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 19:01, 23 March 2025

City in Finland

Turku (Template:IPA-fi; Swedish: Åbo) is a city on the southwest coast of Finland at the mouth of the Aura River. It is the oldest city in Finland and was the most important city in the country for hundreds of years. Turku is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and as a major economic hub.

History[edit]

Turku was founded in the late 13th century, making it the oldest city in Finland. It was the capital of Finland until 1812, when the capital was moved to Helsinki. The city has played a significant role in Finnish history, serving as a major center for trade and culture.

The Great Fire of Turku in 1827 was a major event in the city's history, destroying much of the city and leading to significant rebuilding efforts. The fire prompted the relocation of the Royal Academy of Turku to Helsinki, where it became the University of Helsinki.

Geography[edit]

Turku is located at the mouth of the Aura River, which flows into the Archipelago Sea. The city is characterized by its beautiful natural surroundings, including numerous islands and waterways. The climate is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and mild summers.

Economy[edit]

Turku is a major economic center in Finland, with a diverse economy that includes industries such as biotechnology, information technology, and maritime industries. The Port of Turku is one of the busiest in Finland, facilitating trade and transportation.

Culture[edit]

Turku is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals. The Turku Music Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in Finland, and the city was designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2011.

The Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral are two of the most significant historical landmarks in the city. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has served various roles throughout history, including as a defensive fortress and a royal residence.

Education[edit]

Turku is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. These institutions contribute to the city's reputation as a center for education and research.

Transportation[edit]

Turku is well-connected by road, rail, and sea. The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and ferries. The Turku Airport provides domestic and international flights.

Events[edit]

Turku hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Tall Ships' Races, which attract visitors from around the world. The Christmas Peace declaration is a traditional event held annually in the Old Great Square.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

View from Turku Cathedral tower
Turku Castle
Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009
Cathedral of Turku 1814

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-== Turku ==
+{{short description|City in Finland}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-Turku is a city located on the southwest coast of Finland. It is the oldest city in Finland and serves as the administrative capital of the region of Southwest Finland. With a population of over 190,000, Turku is the sixth-largest city in Finland.
+'''Turku''' ({{IPA-fi|ˈturku|lang}}; {{lang-sv|Åbo}}) is a city on the southwest coast of [[Finland]] at the mouth of the [[Aura River]]. It is the oldest city in Finland and was the most important city in the country for hundreds of years. Turku is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and as a major economic hub.
-=== History ===
+==History==
+[[File:Vexillum_aboense.jpg|thumb|left|Vexillum aboense]]
+Turku was founded in the late 13th century, making it the oldest city in Finland. It was the capital of Finland until 1812, when the capital was moved to [[Helsinki]]. The city has played a significant role in Finnish history, serving as a major center for trade and culture.
-Turku has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century when it was established as a trading post by Swedish settlers. It quickly grew into an important center of commerce and culture in the region. Turku served as the capital of Finland until 1812 when it was replaced by Helsinki.
+The [[Great Fire of Turku]] in 1827 was a major event in the city's history, destroying much of the city and leading to significant rebuilding efforts. The fire prompted the relocation of the [[Royal Academy of Turku]] to Helsinki, where it became the [[University of Helsinki]].
-During its long history, Turku has witnessed significant events and played a crucial role in the development of Finland. It was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Åbo in 1743, which ended the Russo-Swedish War. The city also experienced a devastating fire in 1827, which led to the reconstruction of many of its buildings in the neoclassical style.
+==Geography==
+Turku is located at the mouth of the Aura River, which flows into the [[Archipelago Sea]]. The city is characterized by its beautiful natural surroundings, including numerous islands and waterways. The climate is classified as [[humid continental climate|humid continental]], with cold winters and mild summers.
-=== Landmarks ===
+==Economy==
+Turku is a major economic center in Finland, with a diverse economy that includes industries such as biotechnology, information technology, and maritime industries. The Port of Turku is one of the busiest in Finland, facilitating trade and transportation.
-Turku is home to several notable landmarks that attract tourists from around the world. One of the most iconic landmarks is Turku Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. It is the largest surviving medieval building in Finland and offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
+==Culture==
+[[File:Turun_tuomiokirkko_edit.jpg|thumb|right|Turku Cathedral]]
+Turku is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals. The [[Turku Music Festival]] is one of the oldest music festivals in Finland, and the city was designated as a [[European Capital of Culture]] in 2011.
-Another significant landmark is Turku Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the most important religious buildings in Finland. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Romanesque.
+The [[Turku Castle]] and [[Turku Cathedral]] are two of the most significant historical landmarks in the city. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has served various roles throughout history, including as a defensive fortress and a royal residence.
-=== Culture ===
+==Education==
+Turku is home to several higher education institutions, including the [[University of Turku]] and [[Åbo Akademi University]]. These institutions contribute to the city's reputation as a center for education and research.
-Turku is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The city hosts several annual events, including the Turku Music Festival, which attracts renowned musicians from around the world. The Turku City Theatre is also a popular venue for theater enthusiasts.
+==Transportation==
+Turku is well-connected by road, rail, and sea. The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and ferries. The [[Turku Airport]] provides domestic and international flights.
-=== Education ===
+==Events==
+[[File:Tall_Ship_Races_Turku_2009.jpg|thumb|left|Tall Ship Races Turku 2009]]
+Turku hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the [[Tall Ships' Races]], which attract visitors from around the world. The [[Christmas Peace]] declaration is a traditional event held annually in the Old Great Square.
-Turku is home to several universities and educational institutions, making it a hub for higher education in Finland. The University of Turku, founded in 1920, is one of the country's leading universities and offers a wide range of academic programs.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Turku Castle]]
+* [[Turku Cathedral]]
+* [[University of Turku]]
+* [[Åbo Akademi University]]
-=== Economy ===
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
-Turku has a diverse economy with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The city is home to several high-tech companies and research institutions, contributing to its reputation as a center for technological advancement. The Port of Turku is also an important economic hub, serving as a gateway for trade between Finland and other countries.
+File:View_from_Turku_Cathedral_tower.jpg|View from Turku Cathedral tower
+File:Turku_Castle.jpg|Turku Castle
-=== Transportation ===
+File:Julfred_utlyses_Gamla_Stortorget_2009.jpg|Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009
+File:Cathedral_of_Turku_1814.jpg|Cathedral of Turku 1814
-Turku has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city. The Turku Airport offers domestic and international flights, connecting the city to various destinations. Additionally, Turku has an extensive network of buses and trains, providing convenient transportation within the city and to other parts of Finland.
+</gallery>
-== See also ==
-* [[Finland]]
-* [[Helsinki]]
-* [[Southwest Finland]]
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
-== External links ==
-* [https://www.turku.fi/en Official website of Turku]
-* [https://www.visitturku.fi/en Visit Turku - Official tourism website]
 [[Category:Cities in Finland]]
-[[Category:Southwest Finland]]
+[[Category:Turku]]
-[[Category:Turku| ]]
+[[Category:Populated places established in the 13th century]]
+[[Category:Former capitals of Finland]]