Monuments to visit Southern Finland Province

In the early 1900s a steamboat was (still) shipwrecked in the Gulf of Finland. The decision was made to build a lighthouse under the leadership of the architect Florentin Granholm. It is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Finland and the highest in the Nordic countries - 52 m - with a breathtaking view, which was the subject of a long dispute between the Finns and the Soviets during the Continuation War. You can even sleep in a small hotel on the island. Pleasant cruise off Hanko, on the southernmost waters of the country.

Inaugurated in 2012, Kaisa House, which houses the central bookshop of the University of Helsinki, is a striking architectural achievement. Its immaculate spaceship shape is not only innovative, it's also functional, warm and elegant. A little secret that the students will only reluctantly let you in on: the terrace, on the top floor, is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and admire the view over Helsinki and, above all, its white cathedral.

Behind this classic brick building lies a treasure trove of architecture, a magical place that any local will advise you to visit. This popular and very dynamic library, in view of the many cultural events organised regularly, houses a beautiful collection of books of all kinds, in small and cosy reading rooms, decorated with late Art Nouveau frescoes. On the top floor, the castle of tales is the room reserved for little faces.

This imposing granite construction of the architect Eliel Saarinen (1910-1914) marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. With a national romantic style, the lines are little more refined. The building of the station mixes Art nouveau and functionalism. Its strong facade, the jewel of Art Nouveau, is mitigated by the subtlety of coronations and the integration of the. Four busts of massive and solemn men, lamp carriers, frame the main entrance. The 48 m tower with a green-green roof has a clock 3 m in diameter. Inside the Station, the Pullman fresco on the second floor is signed by Eero Järnfelt, one of the great Finnish artists. To fool the boredom of expectations, the café on the ground floor has a small casino! The station provides access to the largest metro station and an underground shopping outlet.

She is a sculptor, Eila Hiltunen, who pays tribute to the famous composer Sibelius by a fairly original contemporary work. Indeed it sticks hundreds of tubes to each other. Located in the Sibelius park, north of the city centre, the work (Passio Speculum) has been established as one of Helsinki's masterpieces. " The steel forest, "as the Helsinkiens called it, caused much controversy. Made up of 580 tubes of steel, of uneven length, in the image of some imaginary, conifères organ reminiscent of the importance of nature in the composer's work. The monument does not usually leave anyone indifferent. The head of Sibelius, close to a rock, seems almost unusual in this context… Eila Hiltunen delivered a similar work at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

This monument is dedicated to the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1967). This work, created by the Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen and entitled Passio Musicae, quickly established itself as one of Helsinki's masterpieces. "The Steel Forest", caused much controversy when it was inaugurated in 1967. Made of more than 600 stainless steel tubes of unequal length, like an imaginary organ. Next to it is a portrait of Sibelius. You can walk under the work to hear the echoes of the wind or you can have fun generating them yourself

Completed in 1931, against a backdrop of national romanticism, the Eduskuntatalo perfectly embodies the Finnish Parliament, with its Greek temple appearance. The guided tour (on reservation only, sometimes in English or French - enquire by email or phone) provides a better understanding of the country's legislative system. Possibility to attend all plenary sessions in the gallery of the session room (doors are open 15 minutes before the session).

Since 2014, we have been enjoying a breathtaking view of the city and its archipelago from this 40-metre-high attraction with its 30 cabins, in order to compete with the famous Viennese Prater Ferris wheel... And if you've read our special report on the sauna, you know that one of these cabins closes one! The must: the VIP cabin which can accommodate 4 people with a glass floor and leather seats. Reduced price for Helsinki Card holders.

Built of granite in the early ^20th century (1909-1919), this superb station is the work of architect Eliel Saarinen and marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. The national Romantic style was gradually replaced by cleaner lines. The station building blends Art Nouveau and functionalism. Its austere facade, the flagship of Art Nouveau, is softened by the subtlety of the copings and the integration of figurative elements. Four massive, solemn busts of men, carrying luminous globes, frame the main entrance - signed by Finnish sculptor Emil Wikström. The pair even have a name: Lyhdynkantajat, which roughly translates as "the lantern bearers" (Emil Wikström also created the bear sculpture in front of the National Museum). The 48 m tower with its verdigris roof features a 3 m-diameter clock. It is considered the most important work of national Romanticism. Inside the station, the Pullman fresco on the second floor is by Eero Järnefelt, one of Finland's great artists. The station provides access to the largest metro station and an underground shopping passage. The station is often cited as one of the most beautiful in Europe and the world. The station has often been featured in advertisements for Finland's railways. In 2013, the statues were restored and the globe lights replaced with LEDs.

Located in Järvenpää north of Helsinki, Ainola is the home of Jean Sibelius, the famous Finnish composer who settled there with his family at the beginning of the century and remained there until his death in 1957. He has composed over 150 works. Become a pilgrimage place for many music lovers. Very special atmosphere.

35 min boat trip to Svartholma sea fortress. This fortress was built in 1748 by the Swedes to protect themselves against the Russian invasion. Suomenlinna's big sister, so to speak. Destroyed by the British during the Crimean War, it has since been rebuilt. On the small island, you will find a small museum (free entrance) to understand the history of this fort which was built between Russian and Swedish laws. Also on the spot, there is a small bistro to have a drink or a bite to eat.

A breathtaking (and free) view of the city from this magnificent fourteen-storey tower, built in 1928 to designs by the architectural brothers Bertel and Valter Jung (Jung & Jung - who also designed Helsinki's Kulosaari church). Don't hesitate to explore the hotel's interior, and if you're feeling a little thirsty, take a seat on the terrace of the Ateljee Bar to enjoy the view through the bay windows for a while longer. And don't forget to visit the ladies' toilets for the best view of the capital!

For architecture and interior design enthusiasts. Both home and office, the Villa Aalto already shows the beginnings of the "new" Aalto, the genius of Romantic Functionalist architecture. The museum is also home to the Alvar Aalto Foundation, founded in 1999 to organize conferences bringing together architects, researchers and enthusiasts. Just 500 m away is the studio of Finland's most famous architect, typical of his style. A must-see if you're passionate about the man!

Raseborg Castle was built in the 1370s. At that time it was built as the administrative centre of western Uusimaa to supervise navigation and trade in the Gulf of Finland. The heyday of Raseborg dates back to 1450-1460. The castle was abandoned in 1558 and remained deserted for more than 300 years until the first restoration began in the 1880s. Today it is the most important remains of the late 14th century. It is even the only Finnish example of an entirely medieval castle.

Hamina was born in the place of the old village. However, the victory of Russia in 1743 led to the annexation of the region. In turn, the Russians seek to defend their borders. Hamina is a stronghold of the first order. Sweden's final defeat in the 1808-1809 conflict led to Russia's annexation of the whole of Finland. Russia's independence in 1917 ushered in a new era for the town. The quality of preservation of the ramparts (4.5 km accessible on foot) deserves a walk.

Built in 1763 for the merchant and magistrate Gustav Johan Bock, this is the oldest house in the district, and was restored to Engel's design in the early ^19th century. The building housed the town hall, was for a time the official residence of the Governor General (representative of Tsarist Russia), then a court of justice and a prison. Today, it houses the town's offices and ceremonial halls, as well as a number of small craft stores.