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Based on archaeological findings, the Great Old Square has had a centre for secular administration, i.e. a town hall, since the 14th century. The most well-known of the previous town halls is the stone building designed by Samuel Berner and built in 1736. Berner’s design inspired other town halls such as the ones in Rauma and Porvoo.
Luostarin välikatu, running through the Great Old Square, was the town’s artery in the Middle Ages. The street ran from St. Olaf’s Dominican monastery to the town centre and to the Cathedral.
After the fire of 1827 C.L. Engel drew up a new grid plan for the city, but he left the old medieval centre untouched. Luostarin välikatu remained to remind us of the narrow streets of the past.
Today Luostarin välikatu is a unique remnant of the Middle Ages. The street has served as a background for many films and inspired many photographers.
The Juselius Mansion is the youngest of the Old Great Square buildings, but has nevertheless gone through many stages while maintaining its original appearance. The mansion was originally built as a residential building by Carl Fredrik Juselius. Often called a “Neo-Renaissance palace”, it was completed in 1892.
Over the years the Juselius Mansion has had many different occupants. The Mayor of Turku has lived there, and doctors have kept their practices in the building.
Juselius as a restaurant
The Hjelt Mansion is the only surviving stone building in Finland whose architecture represents pure Russian empire style.
Sea captain Hjelt bought the plot in the Old Great Square after the fire of 1827 and built on it a beautiful two-storey stone house in 1830. Hjelt’s home was on the upper floor, while the street level rooms were rented to businesses.
The earliest records of the Brinkkala Mansion date back to the 16th century. During its history the mansion has functioned as the town house of the owners of Brinkhall Manor, as a hotel and as the home of a Russian Governor General. After the fire of 1827 in Turku, the Brinkkala Mansion was renovated as the new town hall.
Brinkkala is best known as the place where Christmas Peace has been declared every Christmas Eve at noon since 1886. Before that, Christmas Peace was declared from “the doors and windows of the town house”, as the old saying goes.
Enjoy the historical surroundings of the Old Great Square!
The preserved and historical Old Great Square offers cosy surroundings, which are ideal for a variety of leisure and cultural activities.
See, experience, participate
The area houses several art galleries and the Artoteque. Varied cultural and art events, concerts and theatre performances are organised within the premises of the Old Great Square.
In addition, several outdoor events are organised, the most renowned are the Medieval Fair and the Christmas Fair in the Old Great Square.