Post code: SF-28100
Telephone code: 2
The commercial and industrial town of Pori (Swedish Björneborg) lies for the most part on the south bank of the Kokemäenjoki some 20km/12.5mi above the mouth of the river, on the Gulf of Bothnia. The town was originally farther upstream, but was moved in 1365 and again in 1558, since
the mouth of the river was reaching steadily farther west due to the rise in the level of the land.
The town was granted its municipal charter in 1558 by Duke John, son of the Swedish king Gustavus Vasa. The last of a series of fires, in 1852, made it necessary to replan the town, which was now laid out around two wide avenues intersecting at right angles.
Pori's economy is centered on its fishing harbor and two commercial harbors, with some industry (woodworking, metalworking).
A Neo Gothic mausoleum was built in 1903 in the Käppärä cemetery in central Pori, the original frescoes were restored from sketches by the artist. Pori is also known for the sandy beaches and the annual international jazz festival.
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