Helsinki, Uusimaa Region, Finland — Northern Europe (Scandinavia)
The Senate Square
Vanhaa Helsinkiä
— Gamla Helsingfors —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 31, 2012
1. The Senate Square Marker
Seaatintori: Text in Finnish ... :
Senatstorget: Text in Swedish ... :
CEHATCKA: Text in Russian ... :
Text in English:
Helsinki was moved to its current location from the mouth of the River Vantaanjoki in 1640. These blocks have formed the historical centre of the city ever since. There are three streets that give us a faint idea of life in Helsinki centuries ago. The location of Sofiankatu, Katariinankatu and Helenankatu has remained unchanged since the 1640s.
Finland was for centuries a part of the Swedish Kingdom. After the War of Finland in 1809, Finland was ceded to Russia as an autonomous Grand Duchy. Helsinki became the capital in 1812. The city centre was rebuilt and gradually assumed its present look. Finland became independent in 1917.
The Senate Square was built in the early 19th century. After completion, it was the largest square in the Nordic Countries. It is surrounded by the University of Helsinki, the National Library, the Palace of the Council of State and Helsinki Cathedral, which were all designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel. The statue of Emperor Alexander II, which was unveiled in 1894, stands at the centre of administration and lively trading in 1he 1830s.
For more history of Helsinki, visit the City Museum on this street. FREE
this page online
Illustrations:
Map: Helsinki - 1770
Photo: Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square – 1930
Erected by Helsinki City Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1640.
Location. 60° 10.167′ N, 24° 57.15′ E. Marker is in Helsinki, Uusimaa Region. Marker is at the intersection of Sofiankau and Alexandersgaten, on the right when traveling north on Sofiankau. The marker plaque is on the building wall at the southeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helsinki, Uusimaa Region 09 31013300, Finland. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kirkkopuisto (approx. 3.1 kilometers away).
Also see . . . Helsinki Senate Square. (Submitted on July 21, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 31, 2012
2. Monument to Emperor Alexander II,Tsar of Russia from 2 March 1855 until his assassination in 1881.
![Helsinki Cathedral [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland] on its hill in Senate Square image. Click for full size.](Photos2/212/Photo212812.jpg?721201293900PM "Helsinki Cathedral [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland] on its hill in Senate Square. Click for full size.")
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 31, 2012
3. Helsinki Cathedral [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland] on its hill in Senate Square
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, May 31, 2012
4. The Senate Square
Photographed By Detroit Publishing Company, circa 1900
5. Monument of Alexander II, Helsingfors, Russia, i.e., Helsinki, Finland
Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 808 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5. submitted on December 8, 2012. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
