Brinkkala Mansion, Turku
The Brinkkala Mansion in Turku is a historically significant building, best known for its long-standing tradition of the public declaration of Christmas Peace, which began in 1886 from its balcony, aptly named the Christmas Peace Balcony. This tradition, held every Christmas Eve at noon, traces back to proclamations made since the 14th century when peace was declared "from the doors and windows of the town hall." The balcony itself was added to the facade during renovations between 1884 and 1886, cementing the mansion鈥檚 role in this iconic Finnish custom.
The earliest records of the Brinkkala Mansion date to the 16th century, when it served as the townhouse for the owners of Brinkhall Manor in Kakskerta. Over the centuries, the mansion has played several roles: it has functioned as a hotel, a town hall, a home to the Russian Governor General, and even a police station. After the great fire of Turku in 1827, the mansion was renovated to serve as the town hall, marking a new chapter in its history.
In 1998, the mansion underwent significant restoration, with rooms on the second floor and the main staircase being restored to their 1886 appearance. The Magistrate鈥檚 Court, one of the most valuable rooms, retains its original chandeliers and furniture, showcasing the historical grandeur of the building.
Today, the Brinkkala Mansion is a space for art galleries and banquet halls, with a cozy coffee house nestled in its courtyard. The mansion also serves as a venue for various events, including the popular Turku Medieval Market, drawing both locals and visitors to its rich historical setting.
The earliest records of the Brinkkala Mansion date to the 16th century, when it served as the townhouse for the owners of Brinkhall Manor in Kakskerta. Over the centuries, the mansion has played several roles: it has functioned as a hotel, a town hall, a home to the Russian Governor General, and even a police station. After the great fire of Turku in 1827, the mansion was renovated to serve as the town hall, marking a new chapter in its history.
In 1998, the mansion underwent significant restoration, with rooms on the second floor and the main staircase being restored to their 1886 appearance. The Magistrate鈥檚 Court, one of the most valuable rooms, retains its original chandeliers and furniture, showcasing the historical grandeur of the building.
Today, the Brinkkala Mansion is a space for art galleries and banquet halls, with a cozy coffee house nestled in its courtyard. The mansion also serves as a venue for various events, including the popular Turku Medieval Market, drawing both locals and visitors to its rich historical setting.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Turku. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Brinkkala Mansion on Map
Sight Name: Brinkkala Mansion
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Turku, Finland
Create Your Own Walk in Turku
Creating your own self-guided walk in Turku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Turku Introduction Walking Tour
Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The city served as the capital of Finland from September 1809 through April 1812. It is a popular tourist destination because of its long history and impact on Finnish culture.
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Turku's Architectural Jewels
The oldest city in Finland, Turku, has several attractive old buildings that catch the eye and showcase the city's rich history and culture.
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles