Porvoo
Porvoo
Borgå
A day in Porvoo is like a journey back in time: the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Porvoo, the streamlined Empire Town and the old-style Riverside area depict history from the Medieval times to the present day.
Various events taking place all year round, as well as the weekly happenings in the summertime, provide even more reasons to visit this lovely small town. Porvoo is easy to reach from Helsinki by car or bus and in the summer also by boat or train.
Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland; it got town rights in the mid-14th century. The riverside storehouses, cobblestone streets and idyllic courtyards make for a unique, historical town view. The best way to sightsee in Porvoo is to go on a walking tour in Old Porvoo to enjoy its dollhouse-like atmosphere.Old merchant town
Trade has always flourished on the Jokikatu and Välikatu streets of Old Porvoo. Importers sailed up the river with exotic products: fruits, wines and spices. The riverside storehouses were also used for intermediate storing of coffee and tobacco. People came to town to shop, stay overnight, have a good time and eat well. Similar things still attract visitors today to enjoy the atmospheric alleys, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, hotels, galleries and museums.
The biggest event in Finnish history?
Porvoo has battled for its existence in different centuries. The town has been destroyed several times by enemies and fire. After centuries of belonging to Sweden, Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous Grand Duchy in the early 19th century. Alexander I, the Czar of Russia, convened the Diet in Porvoo in March 1809. The emperor ratified the religion and the fundamental laws of the land as well as the rights of the estates in the Porvoo Cathedral, which was a momentous event in Finland's development towards becoming an independent nation.
Historic sights
The most popular places to visit in Porvoo are Old Porvoo and the beautiful Cathedral that features fascinating symbolism both inside and outside. The most photogenic view is undoubtedly the row of riverside storehouses. Today, they are red, but they were painted this colour no earlier than in the late 18th century to honour the King of Sweden who visited Porvoo. At present, the storehouses are in private use as homes and storage buildings.
The home museum of Finland's national poet J. L. Runeberg in the Empire Town is also a popular attraction. In addition to Old Porvoo and the town centre attractions, travellers should consider a trip to the beautiful archipelago, for example, on an archipelago cruise, to explore the summer markets and outdoor recreation areas.The surrounding area
Porvoo's neighbour Loviisa is an idyllic coastal town known for its 18th century fortresses and the beautiful town centre area dating back to the 19th century. The village of Ruotsinpyhtää (Strömfors in Swedish) with its ironworks museums, crafts workshops and shops bears the legacy of the region's industrial culture.
Booking Contacts:
Porvoo City Tourist Office
Rihkamakatu 4
FI-06100 Porvoo
Tel: +358-(0)19-520 2316
Fax: +358-(0)19-520 2317
|