The last of Finland. Next up, the cruise to Stockholm.

I'm a little past due on the blogging, but there was precious little free WiFi on board the overnight cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm, and I have a cold which has just wiped out any extra energy I might have had in the evenings, which is when I usually update the blog.

Porvoo! (Pronounced Por-vo)  is a city situated on the southern coast of Finland approximately 50 kilometres (30 mi) east of Helsinki. Porvoo is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from 14th century. 

"The town is famed for its "Old Town", a dense medieval street pattern with predominantly wooden houses. The Old Town came close to being demolished in the 19th century by a new urban plan for the city. The plan was cancelled due to a popular resistance headed by Count Louis Sparre.The red-coloured wooden storage buildings on the riverside are a proposed Unesco world heritage site. By the early 19th century authorities already understood the value of the old town."

"Porvoo is the seat of the Swedish-speaking Diocese of Borgå of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland."

Pipe organ with over 3,000 pipes.

 The pagan symbol of the unicorn was incorporated into the religion. The unicorn was a symbol of purity in old myth, only a virgin could capture a unicorn.

 A unicorn on a coat of arms.

 Originally a catholic church it is now Lutheran.

The separate bell tower.

 

 Steep hills and cobble-stoned streets mean you need sturdy shoes.

 This used to be the station building for the volunteer fire company.

Detail of Simolins, the oldest department store in Finland.

 The newer development on the west side of the river. The buildings simulate the architecture of the old historical storehouses (now made into cafes and shops) on the east of the river.

The town hall.

A better view of Simolins.

 Many of the homes had little curios on the windowsills.

Part of the "Devil's Staircase" a natural rock formation. This path is not maintained in the winter.

 The top of the Devil's Staircase.

 

 Originally the Bishop's House.

 I like this little wood frame house that is directly next to the Bishop's House.

Taken from the old historical bridge of Porvoo. A different perspective.

 The bridge we were on. There is a lovely quiet path that follows the river, we took that back to the other side of town. 

 

 Goodbye Porvoo!