Senate Square in Helsinki. Railway (Station) Square in Helsinki Helsinki Senate Square on the map

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

The train delivers passengers directly to the heart of Helsinki to the main railway station of the Finnish capital - an architectural monument, a monumental granite building with a clock tower towering above the city and which have already become one of the symbols of Helsinki by the sculptor Emily Wickstrom  (Emil Wikström), giants holding lanterns-luminaries.

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

The adjacent square, which got its name - Railway Square, framed in the south by a street Kaivokatuwhich is located Art Museum Atheneum.

To the right of the museum is built in 1967 City center, called in common people - Sausage house (Makkaratalo), which received this name because of the element encircling the building in the form of sausages.

In the eastern part of the square lies a street Mikonkatuwhich is located Grand Helsinki Casino, many cafes and restaurants with summer terraces.

In the northern part of the street Vilhonkatuon which is located. And in the western part of the square adjoins part of the street Keskuskatu (Keskuskatu), which in translation into Russian means - central Street. Street Keskuscatuthat runs between Athenaeum Art Museum  and building Mccaratalo, after many years of repair work, it was rebuilt into a pedestrian street, along which you can go to the building of one of the oldest department stores in Finland - Stockmann. And further along this street you exit in the area Swedish theater  to the famous Esplanade.

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

It’s hard to believe, but at the beginning of the XIX century on the site of today's Railway square there was a seabed and this place was called Kluuvinlahti (Kluuvinlahti)from the Swedish name Gloviken that meant - Kluwi 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 peculiar to the Finnish language, the word spread out and the letter“ G ”was softened with the letter“ K ”. Thus, the modern name of this district of the city happened - Cluwy. Street name Cluwicatualso comes from the name of the bay that was once here. Later this territory was bombarded.

Today at this place is one of the most important transport hubs. Short-distance trains and intercity trains depart from here, as well as international trains to Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Here begin domestic bus routes and routes to satellite cities in Vantaa  and Espoo. Under the square there is a metro line and the station of the same name is located - Railway Square.

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

In addition to public transport or a taxi, you can use a bicycle by renting it in a special parking lot right at the station. In the city center there are equipped bike paths with which you can easily get acquainted with helsinki sights.

Photo of the train station at night: Ofelia de Pablo

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

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Life has long been in full swing on Senate Square, since from the 17th century a market, town hall and city temple were located here. However, she got her magnificent appearance much later - in the 19th century, when she became part of the Russian Empire, and the city was declared the capital.

Thinking of the global reconstruction, Emperor Alexander II commissioned the engineer Johan Ehrenström and the architect Karl Engel to design a series of public buildings that would give a worthy look to the new capital. So in the 1820s, the construction of the "Senate" architectural ensemble began. Since Karl Engel passed away in the 1840s, Ernst Lormann continued his work, and in particular, he completed the construction of the Cathedral.

How to get there

Senate Square is located in the Kruununhaka (Kruununhaka) district, where most of the city’s administrative buildings are located.

Address:  00170 Helsinki, Finland.

You can get here:

• Tram

  By routes No. 2, 4, 5, 7, 7P to the Senaatintori stop;

• Tram

  By routes No. 3, 6, 6E, 9 to the Kaisaniemenkatu stop;

• Bus

  Route 17 to the Ritarihuone stop;

• Metro

  To Kaisaniemi Station (University of Helsinki).

Senate Square on the map

Monuments

One of the important attractions of the square is the monument to Alexander II located in the center. The Russian emperor earned the respect of the Finns not only by the large-scale construction of palaces, but also by the fact that under his rule the Finnish brand appeared, and the Finnish language became the official - state language. The architect Walter Runeberg portrayed the ruler at the time of the speech, while around the small pedestals he installed four statues: Legality, Labor, Light and Peace.

Several steps lead to the monument, a bright flowerbed is directly in front of it, and colorful lampposts stand along the perimeter. This place is very popular with tourists, because here you can get wonderful photos with the building of the cathedral in the background.

Architectural style

Senate Square is currently considered one of Neoclassicism's finest examples. Moreover, she is the most holistic and well-preserved example of this style.

Its architectural ensemble consists of the Cathedral, the National Library, the University of Helsinki and the State Council. All four buildings form a harmonious composition - the real pride of the White Capital of the North, as Helsinki is often called. This ensemble is considered the best achievement of Karl Ludwig Engel, who simply miraculously managed to fit it into a complex, hilly landscape.

Attractions nearby

Cathedral  - The central building of the Senate Square, built in 1852. Initially, the temple was dedicated to St. Nicholas, therefore, and now it is sometimes called St. Nicholas. Statues of 12 apostles rise on its roof, and a majestic colonnade adorns the entrance.

Council of State  - a beautiful palace to the left of the cathedral, erected in 1822. Today, the Finnish cabinet is working in it, and before the Senate.

University  and National Library  - two buildings to the right of the cathedral, in size and color scheme complement the Council. They were completed in 1832, and after the Second World War underwent reconstruction.

Cederholm House - a small mansion in a row of old houses of the 18th century, located at the far end of the square. It is interesting as the oldest stone building in the Finnish capital.

A walk along Senate Square will not leave anyone indifferent. And if you take a map with you, the walk will be easy to continue to other sights of Helsinki - for example, to the estates and the nobility located within walking distance. Also nearby are the City Museum, the Esplanade Park and the beautiful Gulf of Finland promenade. In the historical center of the city you will not have to be bored!

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

General information about the capital of Finland

Helsinki is the largest Finnish city, which 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 which are foreign citizens. The city contains many cultural and historical attractions, including Senate Square. Helsinki is one of the most unique cities in terms of its geographical location.

Location

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

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

About the architecture of the city

Almost the entire area is surrounded by historical buildings from 1818-1852, designed by the German architect Karl L. Engel. In total, more than 30 buildings were built according to his projects, and this is the number of only those architectural structures that he erected after Helsinki became the capital of the Duchy of Finland as part of the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, this city was even called the White Capital of the North in connection with the similarity with the style of buildings of St. Petersburg.

About some sights of the capital

Helsinki Senate Square is located in the central part of the city, in the Kruununhaka area and is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city. But besides it there are many more wonderful historical places 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 Katayanokka area (Cape Mozhzhevelovy), most of the structures and buildings were 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 Kanavarante area (the canal embankment) there is a guest berth for yachts and boats, warehouses built in the 1800s. There are numerous shopping establishments and restaurants.

There is also a museum street in Helsinki, Sofiankatu, which is the only museum in the city, open day and night. Here is the whole amazing story of the construction of streets and street equipment. The oldest building (Cederholm House), located in the historical part of the capital, is one of the branches of the city museum.

Senate Square (Helsinki): Cathedral, photo, description

The square has its own unique history. In the 17th century, at its current location was the town hall, market, cemetery and 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 a unique complex, made in the style of neoclassicism. The main buildings in it are 4 buildings that were designed in the years 1822-1852 by K. L. Engel. They are the magnificent cathedral, the national library, the building of the State Council and the main building of the university.

Helsinki Senate Square (photo above) has on its territory an amazing work of art - a magnificent cathedral built on a high hill. Its construction was started in 1830. In 1840, after the death of 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 sailors), which was also an expression of a kind of reverence to Nicholas II, by whose order the cathedral was decorated with sculptures of 12 apostles located on its roof (the work of German sculptors). They were cast in 1845-1847 and in 1849 were installed on the cathedral. The statues are an impressive collection of zinc sculptures of world significance.

In the inner part of the cathedral there are statues of famous historical figures: Martin Luther, Michael Agricola and Philip Melanchthon. In 1959, the building received the status of a cathedral, after which it became the main one not only in the city, but also in the country. Here, both ordinary and solemn services are always held, in addition, the cathedral is always open for visiting people. The Senate Square Helsinki is quite popular among numerous tourists. Her address: 29 Unionionatu Street.

Other attractions of the square

A surprisingly large number of historically curious architectural structures were located by Senate Square. Helsinki was once the home of Swedish merchants. On the southern part of this historical zone, their beautiful mansions (built in the 18th century) were built. Among them stands out the oldest stone house in the capital, Cederholm (1757), which today houses a museum in its premises.

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

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

A bronze monument to the famous Russian emperor Alexander II (author - Walter Runeberg, building of 1894) was also erected on the square in connection with the special attitude of the Finnish people to it. As noted above, the Russian emperor Finns granted autonomy. The sculpture group surrounds the statue: “Peace”, “Law”, “Light” and “Labor”.

A lot of rather curious historical information carries the Senate Square in Helsinki.

Monument to Alexander the Second

This sculptural work is one of the few pre-revolutionary preserved monuments to the Russian emperor - the great Tsar-liberator.

He is the best achievement of sculptural art in Finland of the XIX century. The great sovereign is depicted here in the same guise that he had at the time of the speech, which spoke about granting Finland the very rights of autonomy (1863). The Finnish people, in gratitude to their liberator, raised money on their own to erect a monument to the emperor.

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

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

About the location of the square

Surprisingly many interesting architectural structures are located on its territory Senate Square (Helsinki). How to get to her to see all this splendor?

This square represents the center of Helsinki. From the central train station, it is located approximately 2 blocks east. It can also be reached by trams whose stops are also nearby.

The area from the central port is approximately 2.3 kilometers. If you walk, it is advisable to follow the street Bulivardi. Take the metro from Ruoholahden Station to Kaisaniemen. A shuttle bus runs every day from Russia (St. Petersburg), which can deliver anyone to the Senate Square itself.

Conclusion

The Senate Square as a whole, like almost all of 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, the Senate Square is filled with people in connection with the many concerts and festivals held on it. But especially magnificent celebrations are held on the city’s birthday (June 12) and during the Helsinki Festival, which takes place here annually. All of them are amazing colorful, spectacular and fascinating performances that are worth seeing.

Familiarity with Helsinki, of course, must begin with Senate Square. This is both his business card and the main square of the country, in combination. Photos with her views will be sure to be in any guide to Finland. The Senaatintori architectural ensemble is the same symbol of the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” as an elk or Mummi Troll.

History of Senate Square

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

Already then there were all the attributes appropriate to the center of urban and public life - the first town hall and the first church with a cemetery adjacent to it.

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 the new capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The newly elected “princess” needed a new, solemn “outfit”. Topographer Officer Johan Albercht Ehrenström and architect Karl Ludwig Engel were instructed by the highest authority from St. Petersburg to build not just a city, but the magnificent capital of the Grand Duchy. (A memorial plaque with their names is now installed on the wall of the University library).

The building of the church of Ulrika Eleanor and the town hall located in the square were dismantled (the place where the church was previously located was 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 seasoned architectural ensembles in the style of empire.

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 (Council of State) is working here, which meets every Friday at 13:00. The Prime Minister’s office is located on the second floor, and above the main entrance to the former Throne Hall, 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 but political battles has shaken the peace of the current government for more than a hundred years since the terrorist Shauman shot Governor-General Bobrikov in the Senate in 1904 for his Russification policy.

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

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

Anyone can enter the university, where the front decoration of the lobby and copies of antique statues on the stairwells will open in front of him.
  The building was seriously damaged during the Soviet bombing of 1944. In particular, the unique murals of the University assembly hall were destroyed. It was restored by 1948, and by its 350th anniversary the building received a gift and a complete reconstruction.

And just to the right is the University Library - Engel's best work, completed after his death - in 1844. Entrance to the library, as well as to the University, is free (be prepared only to hand over bags in boxes at the 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 which, Emperor Alexander I ordered that a copy of each new book published in the empire be sent here. Now the collection of the library of the University of Helsinki is considered a “Mecca” for Slavists of the whole world - the tenacious hands of Soviet censorship have not reached it.

Do not be lazy and look at the library. The first room with a vaulted painted ceiling surprises with old books, which seem to whisper their stories from the shelves. Walk on the second tier, touch them ... the story. The second room is characterized by fancy architecture and free Internet on computers along the windows.

Monument to Alexander II

In the center of Senate Square stands a monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II, surrounded by four ladies, personifying the Law, Peace, Enlightenment and Labor.
  After the emperor legalized the Finnish language in 1863, the king arranged the Finns to him so much that they still allow him, from the height of his pedestal, to observe what is happening on the main square of the country. Here is such a reverent attitude to their own history. No leafing and censuses from scratch.

Yes! They were a colony! Yes, they fought! And the king is standing! What does the monument have to do with it?

Merchant houses

And in the face of the tsar, in the southern part of the square, hustling, cute houses of merchants-burghers are molded to each other. They survived the fires, and reconstruction, and redevelopment. These urban old-timers in front of the wide-open windows of which passed almost the entire history of Helsinki. Now many of them have colorful shops, cafes and restaurants oriented to tourists.

It is hard to believe, but in the far-right corner house, once owned by the sugar merchant Kiselev, the central hall of the Stockmann department store was previously located.

The columned house of the merchant Bok, pointed at the beginning of the 18th century, after the restoration of Engel in 1816-18, took over the functions of the City Hall. Now city events are taking place here.

The extravagant gray building on the left end of the square is once the most luxurious home in Helsinki. It belonged to the well-to-do merchant Johann Sederholm. Plus, the building is the oldest stone building in the city center. Now it houses a branch of the city museum, where the city life of the 18th century is represented, and shift exhibitions are also held here.

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

Sofiyskaya street

But you must definitely go back a little and turn into the tiny Sofia street, which is already a museum in itself. From the brilliant splendor of the ceremonial buildings of the Senate Square, we seem to fall a hundred years ago.

Restored to the 450th anniversary of Helsinki, it is a model of the street buildings of old Helsinki.

Paving stones, a water column, a funny green booth with a working telephone and nameplates in three languages: Swedish, Russian and Finnish.

Only one but. There were no “then” plates with Finnish names. The nobility spoke in Swedish, the officials in Russian. Finnish, for a long time, remained the language of peasants and commoners.

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

Now turn around and walk slowly back. Enjoy the stunning spectacle as a snow-white block of the Cathedral swims into the narrowness and shadow of a tiny street.

The Senate Square in Helsinki is considered the hallmark of the city and is located in the Kruununhaka area, where most of the excursions in the capital of Finland begin. This is the central square of Helsinki and one of the European squares, the most coherently preserved to this day. It took the place of the former market and city hall, and old wooden buildings gave way to neoclassical architecture.

History

The square began to gain its modern appearance in 1812. As early as the 17th century, it looked completely different. Here was located the city hall, a small church of St. 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 composition ensemble of the Senate Square with St. Petersburg is expressed so clearly. The architect of the 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 St. Nicholas Cathedral. It is located on a raised platform on 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 cobblestones there is a place marked where in the 17th century the Church of St. Eleanor was located, and on the wall of the university library there is a memorial plaque with the names of the architect Karl Ludwig Engel and topographer Johan Albercht Ehrenström.

Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square

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

This evangelical Lutheran church is considered the main in the whole country. Of the architectural features, 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 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 became a symbol of Peace, Enlightenment, Law, Labor.

What to see

Big Senate Square is paved with paving stones and covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 9 thousand square meters. meters. She, along with the Cathedral, is often depicted on souvenirs from Helsinki. The following buildings are located on different sides of the square: the Senate building, the University of Helsinki, merchant houses. On the steps rises the white magnificent St. Nicholas Cathedral (Cathedral), and opposite it in the very center is a monument to Alexander II.

Helsinki Senate

The four-story Senate building was erected in the 19th century, the facade was completed in 1822. Two wings along Aleksanterinkat and Ririnkat were built several years later. A building with a 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, and the Aleksandrovskaya pharmacy. And now the Finnish State Council, the cabinet of the Prime Minister are located in the building, and in the former Throne Hall new laws are signed above the entrance.

Video “Senate Helsinki Square from above”

Merchant houses

Merchants located in the southern part of the square survived the fires, reconstructions and now reflect the history of the city of Helsinki, being old-timers. Among them are such well-known buildings as the Bok House (1763) and the Cederholm House (1775).

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

University of Helsinki

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

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

activity

On the main square of Helsinki, a lot of interesting events are held, in which residents and guests of the city take part with pleasure. For a unique holiday atmosphere, people come here from all over Finland.

Fairs, festivals, concerts, and public celebrations are often held at Senate Square.

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

• Kainuu Province Festival  organized annually and sometimes held on Senate Square. It is dedicated to the region in Finland, which borders the Republic of Karelia. On the day of the celebration, guests and passers-by can familiarize themselves with objects that reflect the livelihoods of the province: fisheries, agriculture, livestock, forestry and mining, as well as the culture of the inhabitants. Here is a fair where they sell exclusive products: pastries, honey, preserves, cheeses and much more.
• Day of the city, which is celebrated on June 12, is accompanied by music, a solemn ceremony, vibrant decorations, flows of people, outdoor dining. All residents gather in the square to watch shows and performances by local artists.
• Christmas  - a favorite holiday of the Finns. Senate Square hosts the St. Thomas Fair. Departure shops sell sweets, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, souvenirs. The area is decorated with illuminations, a Christmas tree with bright garlands and toys is set up, and ice skating is organized.

Video: “Senate Square before Christmas”

How to get to Senate Square in Helsinki

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

The nearest bus stop is Riddarhuset. You can get here the bus  № 17. Next you need to walk along the Aleksanterikatu street for about 200 meters.

Nearest station metro  - “Helsinki University” (“Helsingin yliopisto”). It is located just 350 meters from Senate Square. After leaving the station, you need to move along Fabianinkatu Street, then along Yloipistonkatu and turn onto Hallituskatu.

In Helsinki taxi It is in demand among tourists, because there is only one metro line and sometimes you have to overcome 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 find out the cost of the trip in advance.