Surroundings, Turku

2km/1.25mi northeast of Cathedral Square (along Hämeenkatu, then beyond the railroad turn left into Kirkkotie) is the little 14th century church of St Karin (Kaarinankirkko). In the churchyard can be seen the grave of the legal scholar Mathias Calonius (1738-1817), first governor of Finland after its annexation by Russia, who insisted that the country's old laws should be maintained.

3km/2mi northeast of Turku station on the Tampere road (Tampereentie) is St Mary's Church (Maariankirkko), a well-preserved 14th century church of undressed stone. Nearby, at the village of Räntämäki, are the remains of the first Christian church in Finland, believed to have been built in 1161.

Southwest of Turku, off the mouth of the Aurajoki, lies the island of Ruissalo, which is linked with the mainland by a bridge. Here there is a large recreation area, with a camping site, a golf course, minigolf and facilities for riding and water-skiing. In August every year a rock festival, Ruisrock, is held here. On the island is a spring with an inscription commemorating the Swedish writer M. Choräus (1774-1806), who lived on Ruissalo for some time. On the south coast is a swimming station. The shores of the island are lined with handsome villas (mostly timber-built) dating from the turn of the century. In the center of the island is the Villa Roma (art exhibitions; artists' studios).

On the coast 17km/10mi west of Turku is the charming little town of Naantali (Swedish Nådendal; pop. 12,500), a popular seaside resort. The town grew up around a Brigittine convent founded in 1443. The old church, situated on the coast north of the town, has a number of monuments and a 15th century altar from Danzig. Near the church can be seen a stone commemorating Jöns Budde (d. 1491), the earliest identifiable Finnish writer, who was a monk in Naantali.Naantali is also known for the beautiful scenery, archipelago and Moomin World theme park.

On the island of Luonnonmaa to the west of Naantali, which is linked with the mainland by the Ukko-Pekka Bridge, stands Kultaranta Castle, the summer residence of the President of Finland.

Museum of Archaeology and History Aboa Vetus is built around an excavated medieval city block. The arched cellars and cobblestone streets had been buried underground centuries ago, without trace.Museum of Contemporary Art Ars Nova, means New Art and, as its name implies, exhibits the art of our times. The Matti Koivurinta Foundation's own collections showcase the works of top 20th century Finnish and foreign artists, from Leena Luostarinen to Picasso.

Brinkhall Manor is a group of Neo-Classical buildings that were completed in 1793. They are located on the Island of Kakskerta. The gardens and park surrounding Brinkhall Manor are 300 years old and feature a Fruit and English garden.