Jakobstad Attractions Pietarsaari
Jakobstad (pop. 20,000), 40km/25mi from Kokkola, was founded in 1652 by Ebba Brahe, widow of the Swedish general Count Jacob de la Gardie. In the 17th century the area around the commune of Pedersöre on which the town now stands was a fief of the de la Gardie family. Queen Christina of Sweden revoked the fief, but granted Count Jacob the right to found a town. After his death Ebba Brahe - whose youngest brother Per Brahe had founded Gamlakarleby and Nykarleby - founded the town and named it after her late husband. Jacobstad is predominantly Swedish-speaking; its name in Swedish is Pietarsaari, which is derived from the original name of the commune of Pedersöre.
Jakobstad is noted for the botanical garden that features classical park architecture and is one of the most northerly gardens in the world. The park was completed in 1932 and features over 1,000 plant species.
Jakobstad is noted for the botanical garden that features classical park architecture and is one of the most northerly gardens in the world. The park was completed in 1932 and features over 1,000 plant species.
Pedersöre Church
The church in Pedersøre probably dates from the 14th century. Originally it was a square building in gray stone, providing a model for the wooden churches with pointed spires built in northern and eastern Finland in the 17th century, but was rebuilt on a cruciform plan by Jacob Rijf in 1787-95.
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School Park
The old part of Jakobstad, with its harbor, is picturesque. The School Park occupies the area where, 200 years ago, the Strengberg family tried to grow tobacco in greenhouses. The park itself contains more than 1,000 different species of plants. At Alholmsgatan 8 is a Motorcycle Museum.
Strengberg Tobacco Museum
In Jakobstad can be found the Strengberg tobacco factory, the oldest in Scandinavia, with a Tobacco Museum.
