FORTRESS SUOMENLINNA
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Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can walk around this island, between tunnels, loopholes and ramparts. Gorgeous!
Suomenlinna Fortress, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is built on several islands in the Helsinki harbor. Its tunnels resemble cellars and its gun loopholes are of rare beauty! Nearby, you'll find art galleries, workshops and museums, a lighthouse church, a submarine converted into a museum, cafés and restaurants. The "Fortress of Finland" was built in 1748 by Swedish admiral Augustin Ehrensvärd on a group of islands and islets. Originally named "Sveaborg", this stronghold was intended to defend the city against Russian expansionism. Long considered inviolable, it was surrendered to the Tsar's troops without a fight. Finland became part of the Russian Empire. During the Crimean War (1854), Finland played an active and effective role in Russia's defense against French and British naval forces. In 1918, following Finland's independence, it took the Finnish name of Suomenlinna. The bulbs of the church tower, symbols of the Orthodox religion, were removed and replaced by a lantern. A number of artists also set up studios here. Galleries, museums and theatrical performances in summer invite you to take a stroll. But beyond the cultural visits, the site stands on its own. Be warned, however, that visiting the island in autumn and winter can be disappointing: even if the fire-colored trees and the boat ride between two blocks of ice are a change of scenery, most of the museums and cafés are closed!
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