Porvoo is Finland’s favorite child, its heartbeat and pulse,
a kaleidoscope where past and future are present.

The past looms high on Pappilanmäki, a central promontory, dominated by the oldest stone church in Scandinavia, a structure dating to the Middle Ages when this region was converted to Christianity by the Swedes. The edifice is hemmed in by the Old Town streets that meander among the low, wooden houses. Their decorative architecture reflects their illustrious owners’ sophisticated tastes and tells of a time when life was a little slower—even in Porvoo. Bakeries, shops, cafés and restaurants dominate the large squares among these venerable old buildings.

Also belonging to the past are the red warehouses lining the riverside, reminiscent of times when Porvoo was an important seaport where ships of the German Hansa fame would sail and link this Northern town to Central Europe. Today, most of these buildings have been refurbished for summer homes, artists’ ateliers and private auditoriums, strictly adhering to period furniture, styles and colors.

Future is seen in the eyes of the free-spirited artists and artisans who throng Porvoo. Music is a natural part of daily life. Art and crafts are in the making and for sale in small shops and boutiques. In fact, Porvoo is famous for its textiles, ceramics, jewelry and woodworking.

Perhaps it was Johan Ludvig Runeberg (18), Finland’s national poet whose works still touch each Finnish heart, who effectuated Porvoo’s free-thinking and welcoming ambiance, for he lived at a time of great national fervor and instilled a yearning for individuality and freedom in the hearts of the Finns with his poetry.

Mrs. Fredrika Runeberg also had a hand in shaping today’s Porvoo’s ambiance. Every bakeshop in town sells special pastry bearing the name of Runeberg— Runebergin leivos, or “Runeberg’s Pastry”—a sort of a dry, crumbly petit four. A thrifty homemaker, Fredrika gathered all the bread and tea cake crumbs, ground them and, adding some key ingredients, baked them into a delectable pastry for her husband who was fond of the table’s good offerings.

Like Fredrika’s creation, Porvoo’s other delicacies live on. Amid the historic and artistic recommendations, Porvoo can boast good weather and beautiful natural assets with the shimmering river, thickly forested hills and fields fattened with wildflowers and grains. Truly a summer paradise, Porvoo will always welcome and never disappoint a visitor on a quest for something unique and memorable.

FOR LOTS OF GREAT INFORMATION ABOUT PORVOO, GO;  HERE

 



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This page was created on February 25, 1998
Most recent revision: March 2, 2007