The History of Turku Castle

Everyday life in the castle

Esilinnassa sijaitseva näyttely vie kävijät läpi Turun linnan historian 1200-luvulta nykypäivään. Se esittelee linnan vaiheita puolustuslinnasta renessanssipalatsiksi ja herttua Juhanan residenssiksi.

The exhibition focuses on the everyday life and festivities in the castle, the court and the servants. Different sections highlight the castle’s multiple roles as a defence fortification, a transit point for merchandise, a barracks and a museum. The exhibition also looks at the world view of the 16th century, the upbringing of children and the splendour of court life. Highlights of the exhibition include life-size wax figures of Duke John, Catherine Jagiellon and the Turku merchant Valpuri Innamaa. The exhibition also includes a model of a castle from the time of Per Brahe, where you can take a peek into 17th-century halls, kitchens and even a sauna. Children and adults will be entertained by the head of all the tomte-gnomes in Finland, the Tomten of Turku Castle. He tells the story of life in the castle through five exhibits, from his own gnome point of view. The exhibition features almost 1000 objects, some of which are previously unknown finds from Turku Castle. Each object has its own story, taking you deeper into the history of the castle.