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History & Evolution
King Gustavus Vasa of Sweden founded the town of Helsinki in 1150 as a new trading post in southern Finland. For years, the city remained a small low-key coastal town, overshadowed by the more thriving trade centers in the Baltic region. However, the construction of Sveaborg (now Suomenlinna) naval fortress helped improve its status. But it was not until Russia defeated Sweden in the Finnish War and annexed Finland as the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland in 1809 that Helsinki began to truly change.

The city was proclaimed the Finnish capital in 1812 and Finland's only university, which had been founded in Turku in 1640, was also transferred to Helsinki in this year. The move consolidated the city's new role and the following decades created the prerequisites for the birth of the modern world class capital. This transformation was highly apparent in the downtown core, which was rebuilt in neoclassical style to resemble St. Petersburg after the fire of 19th century completely destroyed the city.

In 1918 Finnish Civil War, most of Helsinki fell to the Red Guard along with southern Finland. The Senate was relocated to Vaasa until the tide of war turned against the Red forces with German troops fighting on the same side with the Finnish White Guard therefore, recaptured Helsinki. Unlike Tampere, Helsinki suffered relatively little damage in the war.

Although the civil war left a considerable scar on the society, the standard of living in the country and the city began to improve considerably and renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen created utopistic plans for Helsinki.

Then came the aerial bombings of the Winter War (1939-40) & Continuation War (1941-44) in which the city was attacked by Soviet bombers. However, due to successful air defense the city was spared from the large-scale destruction that many other cities in Europe under similar scale bombings had suffered.

Therefore, despite the agitated first half of the 20th century, the city continued to develop steadily with rapid urbanization of 1970s. The population also started growing at tremendous rate making Helsinki metropolitan area one of the fastest growing urban centers in European Union in 1990s.

Site-Seeing
Most of the fine Finnish architect and artwork of Helsinki perished under the flames of 19th century fire. The city today though overflows with marvelous neo-classical architecture, but its style is still a reflection of its past. Therefore, most of the buildings of the city dates back to early 19th century strongly influenced by its links to the Russian capital St Petersburg complemented by Art Nouveau structures.

Inspite of the historic atmosphere, the city also showcases the modernity like any other well-developed European City. While one can always take advantage of the innumerable recreational activities of Helsinki.

Suomenlinna Fortress:
Built during the Swedish rule in 18th century and situated on an island at the entrance to Helsinki's harbour, Suomenlinna Fortress is a major military monument worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Not just a monument, the fortress is also home to about 900 Finns who live in the renovated barracks therefore, making the entire site a fun, multi-faceted attraction for both residents and visitors.

Suomenlinna also houses seven museums, galleries, restaurants or cafes, several parks, beaches and nature areas along with several events taking place like exhibitions, jazz shows and theatrical performances, particularly during summer.

Location: Tykistolahti Bay
Senate Square:
The finest examples of the neoclassical style of architecture in Europe, the lively Senate Square dates back to 19th century. The square is dominated by the city’s main landmark, the Lutheran Cathedral, designed by Carl Ludwig Engel along with other buildings including the Palace of the Council of State and University buildings (including the library, regarded Engel’s finest masterpiece).

The interior of the landmark is as perfect as its exterior design and therefore has been doubled up as a backdrop for several Cold War spy-espionage films.

Location: Senaatintori

Market Square (Kauppatori):
The bustling Market Square is sandwiched between the sea and a row of impressive historic buildings like City Hall, Swedish Embassy and Presidential Palace. It is not only market but a central meeting point of the city where visitors gather to watch the changing of the bulkily clad guard at the Palace and admire the Havis Amanda mermaid statue at the west end of the Square in front of Esplanade Park.

It is the favorite place for locals who lunch on cheap eats, including freshly caught. On the other hand it is a great spot for tourists as well who can find souvenirs like Russian fur hats, carved wooden bowls, gloves and hats knitted on the spot, reindeer skins and Lapp hunting knives.

Location: Kauppatori

Temppeliaukio (church in the rock):
This awesome and unique piece of architecture was designed by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and carved out of solid granite in 1969.

The church is built into solid rock with the inner wall left raw and unfinished with a solid copper dome. This one of the most famous attractions of Helsinki is made from rock quarried on the site.

The church is often used as a venue for musical events.

Location: Lutherinkatu 3

National Museum of Finland:
Housed in an impressive Romantic style building, the national museum depicts Finnish life from prehistoric times to the present. Located opposite Finlandia Hall near the city center, the museum contains rich archaeological and ethnographic collections.

The permanent exhibition of the museum is divided into five sections, including the ‘Treasure Trove’, a display of coins, medals and weaponry. Also interesting are the folk costumes, textiles and furniture displays that make up Finland’s cultural heritage collection. The museum also possesses a cafe and shops.

Location: Mannerheimintie 34