Senate square in helsinki. Senate square Helsinki Helsinki Senate square on the map

Senate Square in Helsinki is considered the hallmark of the city and is located in the Kruununhaka area, from where most excursions around the capital of Finland begin. This is the central square of Helsinki and one of the most intact European squares that have survived to this day. It took the place of the former market and town hall, and the old wooden buildings were replaced by neoclassical architecture.

Story

The square began to acquire its modern look in 1812. Back in the 17th century, it looked completely different. Here was located city ​​hall, a small church of Saint Eleanor, a cemetery and a city market. These unsightly buildings did not fit into the city's development plan and were dismantled.

When Finland was annexed to Russia in 1809, large-scale development of the city of Helsinki began. That is why the similarity of the architectural and compositional ensemble of Senate Square with St. Petersburg is so clearly expressed. An architect Principality of Finland was Karl Ludwig Engel. According to his project, in 1830-1852, the main cathedral of the Helsinki diocese was built - the Cathedral, which is also called the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. It is located on a dais on the Senate Square and steps lead to it.

In the 19th century, a university and a Senate building were built on both sides of the square, and then the National Library. In 1894, a monument to Alexander II was erected in the central part in order to honor his achievements, thanks to which Finland received autonomy.

Now, on the pavement, the place where the Church of St. Eleanor was located in the 17th century is marked, and a memorial plaque with the names of the architect Karl Ludwig Engel and topographer Johan Albercht Ehrenström is installed on the wall of the university library.

Cathedral in Helsinki on Senate Square

The Cathedral or Cathedral of St. Nicholas was built on the north side of Helsinki's Senate Square in 1852. Its architect was Karl Ludwig Engel and later Erns Lormann.

This Evangelical Lutheran Church is considered the main one in the whole country. From the architectural point of view, it is worth noting the central dome, surrounded by four small domes and zinc statues of the 12 apostles.

Monument on Senate Square in Helsinki

The monument to Alexander II is located right in the center of the Senate Square. It was created by sculptors Johannes Takanen and Walter Runeberg and installed in 1894. Dedicated to the Russian Emperor and Prince of Finland in memory of the restoration of parliamentarism. The monument depicts the prince himself on a pedestal in the form of a guard officer, as well as four figures below him, which have become a symbol of Peace, Enlightenment, Law, Labor.

What to see

Big Senate Square is paved with paving stones and covers an area of ​​about 9 thousand square meters. meters. She, along with the Cathedral, is often depicted on souvenirs from Helsinki. On different sides of the square there are the following buildings: the Senate building, the University of Helsinki, merchant houses. On the steps rises the white luxurious Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Cathedral), and opposite it in the very center - a monument to Alexander II.

Senate of Helsinki

The four-story Senate building was constructed in the 19th century and the façade was completed in 1822. Two wings along Aleksanterinkat and Ririnkat were built a few years later. The building with an inner courtyard was erected in 1860.

Over the course of several centuries, many institutions have changed here: the post office, the predecessor of the Bank of Finland, the National Archives, the Customs Department, the Aleksandrovskaya Pharmacy. And now the building houses the Finnish State Council, the Prime Minister's office, and in the former Throne Room above the entrance new laws are signed.

Video "Senate Square Helsinki from above"

Merchant houses

The merchant houses located in the southern part of the square were able to survive the fires, renovations and now reflect the history of the city of Helsinki, being old-timers. Among them are such famous buildings as Bock's House (1763) and Sederholm's House (1775).

Now the purpose of merchant houses has changed: there are cafes (Engel, Sunn), shops (goods for newborns Annl ja Aleksi, Marttini Oy knives, LUMI Supermarket - Flagship Boutique fashion accessories, Vieno Puustjarvi Ky souvenirs and gifts), restaurants (Chapter, a Finnish restaurant cuisine of Savotta Restaurant).

University of Helsinki

The largest and oldest university in Finland, which was originally called the Imperial Alexander University, is located on Senate Square in Helsinki, opposite the Senate building. It was built in 1832 by the architect Karl Ludwig Engel and is very similar in architecture to the Senate building. The university differs only in Corinthian features. There are copies of antique statues inside the building. At the end of the 20th century, the university was reconstructed, as it was badly damaged during the war years.

University Library of Helsinki located to the right of the university itself. It was completed in 1844. The designer was the same Karl Ludwig Engel. It houses a unique and largest collection of Slavic literature, which has not been touched by censorship. Whimsical architecture, painted vaults and antique books are the best things to see in the library, which is free to enter.

Events

On the main square Helsinki hosts a lot of interesting events, in which residents and guests of the city participate with pleasure. People from all over Finland come here for a unique holiday atmosphere.

Fairs, festivals, concerts, and mass celebrations are often held on Senate Square.

Among the most ambitious, the following events should be noted:

• Kainuu Province Festival organized annually and sometimes held at Senate Square. It is dedicated to the region in Finland that borders the Republic of Karelia. On the day of the celebration, guests and passers-by can get acquainted with objects that reflect the life of the province: fishing, agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and mining, as well as the culture of the inhabitants. A fair is held here, where they sell exclusive goods: pastries, honey, jams, cheeses and much more.
• Day of the city, which is celebrated on June 12, is accompanied by music, a solemn ceremony, bright decorations, streams of people, a meal under open air... All residents gather in the square to watch shows and performances by local artists.
• Christmas- the favorite holiday of the Finns. The Saint Thomas Fair is held on Senate Square. Offsite shops sell sweets, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, souvenirs. The square is decorated with illumination, a Christmas tree with bright garlands and toys is installed, ice skating is organized.

Video: "Senate Square before Christmas"

How to get to Senate Square in Helsinki

To get to central square Helsinki, you need to get to tram No. 2, 4, 5, 7, 7H to the stop "Senaatintori".

Nearest bus stop- "Riddarhuset". You can get here by bus No. 17. Then you need to walk along Aleksanterikatu Street for about 200 meters.

Nearest station Metro- "University of Helsinki" ("Helsingin yliopisto"). It is located just 350 meters from Senate Square. After getting off at the station, you need to move along Fabianinkatu street, then along Yloipistonkatu and turn onto Hallituskatu.

In Helsinki Taxi is in demand among tourists, because there is only one metro line and sometimes you have to cover considerable distances on foot. The following taxi services are popular: Espoo, Taksi Helsinki Oy, Tepin Pirssi Oy. It's even easier to book a car through the Uber app, and you can check the cost of the trip in advance.

This article will present one of the curious historical sites the capital of Finland with its magnificent architectural structures (Helsinki, cathedral and much more). But first, let's get a little acquainted with the city itself, with its main historical sights.

General information about the capital of Finland

Helsinki is the largest Finnish city and is the administrative center of Uusimaa (province). It is located in the south of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). In total, 630.225 thousand people live in it, 10% of whom are foreign citizens. The city contains many cultural and historical attractions, including the Senate Square. Helsinki is also one of the most unique cities in terms of its geographical location.

Location

The main part of Helsinki is located on a granite peninsula on the northern coast of the bay. In addition, it is surrounded by numerous rocky islands and islets with small bays and passages that represent magnificent, peculiar natural landscapes.

Helsinki is of great interest to numerous foreign tourists and travelers. This city is great for both walking and cycling.

About the architecture of the city

Almost the entire square is surrounded by historic buildings dating from 1818-1852, designed by the German architect Karl L. Engel. In total, more than 30 buildings were built according to his designs, and this number is only those architectural structures, which were erected by him after Helsinki became the capital of the Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, this city was even called the White Capital of the North due to the similarity with the style of buildings in St. Petersburg.

Some of the sights of the capital

Helsinki Senate Square is located in the central part of the city, in the Kruununhaka district and is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city. But besides her, there are also many wonderful historical sites that attract a huge number of tourists and travelers from abroad. It is impossible to list and describe them, but some of them should be noted.

In the area of ​​Katajanokka (Cape Juniper) most of structures and buildings built in the 19th and 20th centuries. This once former cape is dominated by the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. This is the amazing beauty of the Assumption Cathedral.

In the Canavaranta area (the canal embankment) there is a guest pier for yachts and boats, warehouses built in the 1800s. There are numerous shopping establishments and restaurants there.

There is also the Sofiankatu Museum Street in Helsinki, which is the only museum in the city open day and night. The entire amazing history of street construction and street equipment is presented here. The oldest building (house of Sederholm), located in the historical part of the capital, is one of the branches of the city museum.

Senate Square (Helsinki): Cathedral, photos, description

The area has its unique story... In the 17th century, on the site of its present location, there was a town hall, a market, a cemetery and a church. In 1812, the Russian Emperor Alexander II proclaimed this city the capital of the Grand Duchy and gave the order to build a new city center.

The whole territory is unique complex, made in the style of neoclassicism. The main buildings in it are 4 buildings, which were designed in 1822-1852 by K.L. Engel. They are the magnificent cathedral, National Library, the building of the State Council and the main building of the university.

Senate Square in Helsinki (see photo above) has on its territory an amazing work of art - a magnificent cathedral, built on a high hill. Its construction began in 1830. In 1840, after the death of the designer Engel, construction was continued by his successor Ernst Lormann. As a result, the cathedral was opened in 1852.

Initially, it was called Nikolaevsky, as it was dedicated to St. Nicholas (patron saint of seafarers), which was also an expression of a kind of respect for Nicholas II, on whose orders the cathedral was decorated with sculptures of 12 apostles (works of German sculptors) located on its roof. They were cast in 1845-1847 and were installed on the cathedral in 1849. The statues are an impressive collection of zinc sculptures of global importance.

In the interior of the cathedral there are statues of famous historical figures: Martin Luther, Michael Agricola and Philip Melanchthon. In 1959, the building received the status cathedral, after which he became the main one not only in the city, but also in the country. Both ordinary and solemn services are always held here, in addition, the cathedral is always open to the public. Senate Square in Helsinki is quite popular among many tourists. Its address: Unioninkatu street, building 29.

Other attractions of the square

Marvelous a large number of Historically interesting architectural structures were placed by the Senate Square. Helsinki was once home to Swedish merchants as well. Their beautiful mansions (built in the 18th century) were built in the southern part of this historical zone. Among them, the oldest stone house in the capital of Sederholm (1757) stands out, which today houses a museum in its premises.

To the right of the cathedral is the State Council building, part of which was completed in 1822. It is intended for the Imperial Senate and for the current government. Above the central entrance there is a beautiful room in the Empire style - the Presidential Hall (formerly the Throne Hall). There is no public access to this building for citizens.

In addition to all of the above, the Senate Square in Helsinki also accommodated the central building of the university (1832 - the year of construction). The main building of the university is presented in its original form (the same auditoriums and the ceremonial hall).

A bronze monument to the famous Russian Emperor Alexander II (by Walter Runeberg, built in 1894) was also erected on the square due to the special attitude of the Finnish people towards him. As noted above, the Russian emperor granted autonomy to the Finns. The statue is surrounded by a sculptural group: "Peace", "Law", "Light" and "Labor".

The Senate Square of Helsinki contains a lot of rather interesting historical information.

Monument to Alexander II

This sculptural work is one of those few pre-revolutionary surviving monuments to the Russian emperor, the great tsar-liberator.

It is the finest achievement of Finnish sculptural art in the 19th century. The great sovereign is depicted here in the same guise that he had at the time of his speech, which spoke about the granting of Finland the very rights of autonomy (1863). The Finnish people, as a token of gratitude to their liberator, collected money on their own to erect a monument to the emperor.

It is 3.23 meters high and stands on a pedestal made of red granite. As a result, its total height is 10.67 meters.

The date of obtaining autonomy is carved on the pedestal of the monument.

About the location of the square

Senate Square (Helsinki) contains a surprisingly many interesting architectural structures on its territory. How to get to her to see all this splendor?

This square represents the center of Helsinki. From the central railway station it is located about 2 blocks in eastward... You can also get there by trams, the stops of which are also nearby.

The area from the central port is about 2.3 kilometers. If walking, it is advisable to follow Bulivardi Street. Take the metro from Ruoholahden station to Kaisaniemen. From Russia (St. Petersburg) every day goes route taxi, which can deliver anyone directly to the Senate Square.

Conclusion

Senate Square as a whole, like almost all its architectural structures, is one of the most famous and remarkable symbols of the capital of Finland. The main square of Helsinki is the religious, political and social center of the country.

In summer, Senate Square is filled with people in connection with the various concerts and festivals held there. But especially magnificent celebrations are held on the city's birthday (June 12) and during the Helsinki Festival, which is held here annually. All of them are amazing, colorful, spectacular and mesmerizing performances that are worth seeing.

Acquaintance with Helsinki, of course, should start from the Senate Square. This - and his business card, and the main square of the country, concurrently. Photos with its views will definitely be in any travel guide to Finland. The architectural ensemble of Senaatintori is the same symbol of the "Land of a Thousand Lakes", like the elk or Mummi-troll.

History of the Senate Square

The history of the square began at the beginning of the 17th century, when Helsinki, still being a remote province, could not dream of the status of the capital, with delight and a certain envy, looking at the majestic and ancient Turku.

Even then, there were all the attributes befitting the center of urban and social life - the first town hall and the first church with an adjoining cemetery.

But on April 12, 1812, the square woke up in a different capacity - the main square of the main city. It was on this day that Emperor Alexander I proclaimed Helsinki new capital The Grand Duchy of Finland. The newly elected "princess" needed a new, solemn "outfit". Officer-topographer Johan Albercht Ehrenström and architect Karl Ludwig Engel were entrusted with the highest permission from St. Petersburg to build not just a city, but the luxurious capital of the Grand Duchy. (A memorial plaque with their names is now installed on the wall of the University library).

The building of Ulrika Eleonora's church and the town hall located on the square were dismantled (the place where the church was previously located is marked on the paving stones of the square), and in their place, in a strict hierarchy, ceremonial buildings were lined up, which combined into one of the most organic and sustained architectural ensembles in the empire style.

Senate building

The building of the Imperial Senate of Finland was the first to appear on the square (if you stand facing the cathedral, it will be on the right). The facade was completed already in 1822.
Currently, the current government of the country (State Council) works here, which meets every Friday at 13.00. The office of the Prime Minister is located on the second floor, and above the main entrance in the former Throne Room, the President of the Republic signs the laws of the country.

The oldest public clock in Finland is located on the pediment of the building.

Nothing, except political battles, has shaken the peace of the current government for more than a hundred years, since the terrorist Shauman shot and killed Governor-General Bobrikov in the Senate in 1904 for his policy of Russification.

In 1832, opposite the Senate, the University building was erected. The Academy, founded in Turku back in 1640, was transferred to the capital after a fire by the highest imperial decree and, together with a new address, received a new name - Alexandrinsky University.

The building completely repeats the proportions of the Senate, but differs in a somewhat modest order - for the Senate it is Corinthian, and for the University it is more strict and restrained, Ionic.

Anyone can enter the university, where the ceremonial decoration of the lobby and copies of antique statues on the flights of stairs will open in front of him.
The building was seriously damaged during the 1944 Soviet bombing. In particular, the unique murals of the University's assembly hall were destroyed. Renovated, it was opened in 1948, and for its 350th anniversary, the building received as a gift a general reconstruction.

A little to the right is the University Library - Engel's best creation, completed after his death - in 1844. The entrance to the library, like to the University, is free (just be ready to drop your bags into the boxes at the very entrance). The collection of a unique collection of Slavic literature was facilitated by the fire in Turku, which in 1827 completely destroyed both the Academy itself and its library. After that, Emperor Alexander I ordered that a copy of each new book published in the empire be sent here. Now the collection of the Helsinki University library is considered a "Mecca" for Slavinists all over the world - the tenacious hands of the Soviet censorship did not reach it.

Take the time and take a look at the library. The first hall with a vaulted painted ceiling surprises with old books that seem to whisper their stories from the shelves. Walk along the second tier, touch them ... to history. The second hall features quirky architecture and free internet on computers along the windows.

Monument to Alexander II

In the center of Senate Square there is a monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II, surrounded by four ladies who personify Law, Peace, Enlightenment and Labor.
After the emperor legalized the Finnish language in 1863, the king won over the Finns so much that they still allow him, from the height of their pedestal, to watch what is happening on the main square of the country. Here is such a reverent attitude to their own history. No flipping or re-enumeration from scratch.

Yes! Were a colony! Yes, they fought! And the king is standing! The monument has something to do with it?

Merchant houses

And in front of the tsar's face, in the southern part of the square, pushing one against the other, the lovely houses of the merchants-burghers are molded. They survived the fires, and reconstruction, and redevelopment. Almost all of Helsinki's history has passed through the real old-timers of the city in front of their open windows. Many of them now house colorful shops, cafes and restaurants aimed at tourists.

Believe it or not, the far-right corner house, once owned by the sugar merchant Kiselev, used to house the central hall of the Stockmann department store.

The colonnaded house of the merchant Bock, erected at the beginning of the 18th century, after restoration by Engel in 1816-18, took over the functions of the City Hall. City entertainment events are now being held here.

An extravagant gray building at the left end of the square is once the most luxurious house in Helsinki. It belonged to the wealthy merchant Johann Sederholm. Plus, the building is the oldest stone structure in the city center. Now it houses a branch of the city museum, where the urban life of the 18th century is presented, and there are also changing exhibitions.

The adjoining, red-brown building with shutters is still the official residence of the mayor of Helsinki - the mayor of Helsinki.

Sofiyskaya street

But you must definitely go back a little and turn onto the tiny Sofiyskaya Street, which is already a museum in itself. From the brilliant splendor of the ceremonial buildings of the Senate Square, we seem to find ourselves a hundred years ago.

Renovated for the 450th anniversary of Helsinki, it is an example of the street development of old Helsinki.

Cobblestones, a water column, a funny green booth with a working phone and nameplates in three languages: Swedish, Russian and Finnish.

Only one "but". There were no "then" signs with Finnish names... Nobles spoke Swedish, officials - Russian. Finnish, on the other hand, has long remained the language of peasants and commoners.

But these are all trifles, and historical justice pales in comparison with the air of antiquity, which permeates the atmosphere of Sofiyskaya Street.

Now turn around and walk slowly back. Enjoy the stunning spectacle of how the snow-white block of the Cathedral floats into the tightness and shadow of a tiny street.

For travelers arriving in Helsinki by train, the acquaintance with the city begins right here - from the Helsinki Railway Station and the square of the same name, which is also called the Railway Square or Helsinki Station Square.

The train delivers passengers right to the very heart of Helsinki to the main railway station of the Finnish capital - an architectural monument, a monumental granite building with a clock tower overlooking the city and, which has already become one of the symbols of Helsinki by the sculptor Emilya Vikström(Emil Wikström), giants holding lanterns in their hands.

The station building was built by the architect Eliela Saarinen(Eliel Saarinen). The opening took place on March 5, 1919 after long and difficult years of that time, during which construction was frozen for several years.

The adjacent square, which got its name - Railway area, framed in the southern part by the street Kaivokatu on which is located Ateneum Art Museum.

To the right of the museum is the built in 1967 City center, called in the common people - Sausage house (Makkaratalo), so named because of the sausage-shaped element encircling the building.

There is a street in the eastern part of the square Mikonkatu on which there is Grand Casino Helsinki, many cafes and restaurants with summer terraces.

In the northern part of the street Vilhonkatu on which it is located. And in the western part of the square there is a part of the street Keskuskatu, which translated into Russian means - central Street... The street Kesuskatu that runs between Art Museum Atheneum and building Maccaratalo, after many years of renovation, it was rebuilt into a pedestrian street, along which you can walk to the building of one of the oldest department stores in Finland - Stockmann... And further along this street you will exit in the area Swedish theater to the famous Esplanade.

In the square opposite National Theater of Finland set monument- the first professional writer in Finland and the founder of Finnish literature.

It's hard to believe, but at the beginning of the 19th century, in the place of today's Railway area It was sea ​​bottom and this place was named Kluuvinlahti from the Swedish name Gloviken which meant - Kluuvi Bay... The name comes from the Swedish word Glo which in turn meant shallow and overgrown. In Swedish the word “ Glo" sounds like " Glu”And, which is typical of the Finnish language, the word was crimson and the letter“ G ”was softened by the letter“ K ”. This is how it happened modern name this area of ​​the city - Kluuvi... Street name Kluuvikatu also comes from the name of the former bay here. Later this area was filled up.

Today, this place is one of the most important transport hubs. From here, short-distance and intercity trains depart, as well as international trains to St. Petersburg and Moscow... This is where the inner ones begin bus routes and routes to satellite cities in Vantaa and Espoo... There is a metro line under the square and there is a station of the same name - Railway area.

On the Kaivokatu, opposite the building Maccaratalo, you can take one of the trams that run on many routes to different areas of the city Helsinki.

Besides public transport or a taxi, you can use a bike by renting it at a special parking lot right next to the station. There are equipped bike paths in the city center, with the help of which you can easily get acquainted with sights of Helsinki.

Photo of the train station at night: Ofelia de Pablo

Video about Helsinki: Morning awakening. At the hour when the city wakes up, the morning fog dissipates and the rays of the July sun heat the city embankments. A new day begins.

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