Turku

Turku is the oldest city and the first capital of Finland. The city was founded in the 13th century and became a centre of trade, administration, religion and civilisation for the Baltic Sea region and for Finland. Turku’s long and rich history can be seen in its cityscape with Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral as its most important symbols of the Middle Ages. As recognition and confirmation to that fact, the city of Turku will act as the European Capital of Culture in 2011.