The Suomenlinna is a fortress in Finland, built on six islands
near Helsinki. It was begun by Lieut.-Col. Augustin Ehrensvärd in 1748, when Finland was part of
Sweden, and building continued during the Russian period.
Suomenlinna is an irregular bastion fortress, built of granite and adapted to
its island site. The buildings show some Rococo influence, the 19th-century barracks being eclectic
in style. As a naval base, the functional centre of the fortress was the galley harbour, with its
dry dock blasted into the seabed.
The most notable of the castle courtyards was the Great
Courtyard, a square closed on all sides, which narrowed to the east giving a false
perspective.
At its western end, there were two curved buildings, which formed an exedra
motif. In the middle of the courtyard is the tomb of Augustin Ehrensväard. The Great Courtyard was
partly destroyed in 1885, in bombings during the Crimean War.
In the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress was important both as
a cultural centre and for technical innovations. Between 1918 and 1972 it was a Finnish military
base, and now, as well as being one of the most important cultural monuments in Finland, it is also
a lively community.
In 1991 Suomenlinna Fortress was included in UNESCO’s World
Heritage List.
Visitor Information
Suomenlinna is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland. It
is a maritme fortress consisting of a group of islands.
What to see and to do:
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A 4 minutes aerial tour of the fortress
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15 minutes ferry tour
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Visit its historical sights such as fortress walls, tunnels, cannons and museums
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Rest and relax: restaurants and coffe shops
Suomenlinna Fortress Map&Location
Suomenlinna Fortress Location: Next to Helsinki, about 15 minutes boat ride
from the centre.
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Suomenlinna Fortress Photos
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Suomenlinna fortress - Source: wikipedia.org
Suomenlinna aerial view - Source: wikipedia.org
Suomenlinna fortress
Suomenlinna fortress
Suomenlinna trip - Gulf of Finland
Suomenlinna Fortress - Photos © Jennifer Boyer
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