History

During the Middle Ages, much of what is now Finland was integrated with Sweden. The region was divided into nine administrative provinces, with castles established as the centres of these fortified territories. The first castles built were Turku, Häme, and Vyborg.

Construction of Turku Castle began at the end of the 13th century. The chosen site was a rocky island at the mouth of the Aura River, strategically suited for defence. From this location, it was possible to oversee trading posts along the river and monitor traffic to Turku.

The chiefs of the castles were selected from among commanders who enjoyed the ruler’s confidence. They governed their territories, upheld the king’s jurisdiction, and collected taxes from the local population through their bailiffs.

The gradual construction and expansion of Turku Castle is evident in its labyrinthine passageways, walled-up doorways and windows, and dark staircases. Over the centuries, the small, partly wooden fortress evolved into a formidable stone castle.

The digital image shows the castle and the river mouth in the early 19th century.