Turku

Turku (Swedish, Åbo), city in south-west Finland, capital of Länsi Province, a port at the mouth of the River Aurajoki. Shipbuilding is the main industry. The harbour has four entrances, and is kept open in winter with ice-breakers.

Turku, founded in 1157 by Eric IX, king of Sweden (reigned 1150-1160), was the capital of Finland until 1812, when the seat of government was moved to Helsinki. Turku Castle, a notable attraction, was built in 1280. Much of the city, including the cathedral (built in 1258), and the university (founded in 1640), was destroyed or heavily damaged in the great fire of 1827. The new University of Turku was established in 1920. The city also has a school of economics. The city’s medieval origins are celebrated in a summer medieval market held in the market square. Åbo Svenska Teater dates from 1839 and is Finland’s oldest theatre. The city’s numerous maritime attractions are moored alongside the Aurajoki and include the museum ships Sigyn (a three-masted barque) and Suomen Joulsen (a sailing ship dating from 1902). Population 174,824 (2005 estimate).