Kaarina (Swedish: S: t Karins) is a city in Finland. The city has a population of 34,294 and an area of 179.58 km², of which 1.05 km² are water bodies. The population density is 227.64 inhabitants / km². Kaarina's border neighbors are Lieto, Parainen, Paimio, Sauvo and Turku.
Kaarina boasts several well-preserved historical landmarks that offer
glimpses into Finland's medieval and manor-era past. These sites are
often set against scenic backdrops, combining history with nature.
Kuusisto Bishop's Castle Ruins: One of Kaarina's most iconic
attractions, these ruins date back to the 14th century and represent the
remnants of a medieval bishop's castle that once served as the center
for the Bishop of Turku and the Catholic Church in Finland. Located on
the shores of the Gulf of Piikkiön at Linnanrauniontie 633 on Kuusisto
Island, the site is an impressive archaeological gem protected by law.
Visitors can explore the stone walls, towers, and foundations, which
provide insight into medieval life and architecture. The ruins are open
year-round with free access, though a 1 km walk from the parking lot is
required. In summer (July), a kiosk operates weekdays from 10am to 4pm,
offering refreshments. The area is part of the larger Kuusisto Culture
and Nature Trail, a 3.2 km easy loop with informative signposts about
the site's history and natural features. It's suitable for all ages and
can be combined with kayaking views from the sea or visits to nearby
manors. Reviews highlight its atmospheric setting, especially at dusk,
though some note the need for good walking shoes due to uneven terrain.
Piikkiö Church: This medieval stone church, dating from the 12th to 14th
centuries, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists but cherished by
locals for its serene atmosphere. Built in the Gothic style typical of
Finnish medieval architecture, it features simple yet elegant stonework,
a peaceful churchyard, and interior elements like ancient murals and
wooden furnishings. Located in the Piikkiö district, it's recognized as
a nationally significant built cultural environment by Finland's
National Board of Antiquities. Visitors can attend services, explore the
grounds for quiet reflection, or photograph the structure in soft
morning light. The church is open to the public (check hours in
advance), and it's recommended for those interested in ecclesiastical
history. Pair it with a visit to the adjacent Piikkiö Manor Park for a
full day of historical immersion.
Kuusisto Manor: Situated near the
castle ruins and overlooking fields and the sea, this beautiful manor
house from the 18th century exemplifies Finnish manor architecture with
its elegant design and scenic location. It hosts summer art exhibitions,
cultural events, and concerts, making it a hub for artistic experiences.
The manor is part of the nationally significant Kuusisto Church
landscape and episcopal castle ruins site. Entry is often free for basic
visits, with events varying in cost. It's ideal for walks in the
surrounding gardens, and reviews praise its picturesque setting, though
it's best visited in summer when activities are in full swing.
Pukkila Manor Museum: Located in the Piikkiö area, this manor museum
offers an in-depth look into historical manor life in Finland, with
exhibits on agriculture, daily routines, and period furnishings. Dating
back to the 18th century, it's a nationally significant site and
provides guided tours (check availability). The museum is surrounded by
manicured grounds, perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls. It's a
great educational spot for families or history enthusiasts, emphasizing
Kaarina's rural heritage.
Ala-Lemu Manor: This 15th-century manor is
one of Kaarina's oldest, set in natural surroundings ideal for walks. It
features historic architecture and occasional events, blending history
with the peaceful Finnish countryside. Access may be limited, so verify
opening times.
Kaarina's coastal location in the Finnish archipelago provides ample
opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails, waters, and parks
that showcase the region's biodiversity.
Kuusisto Island and
Nature Trails: Kuusisto Island is a haven for nature lovers, featuring
the 3.2 km Kuusisto Nature and Culture Trail that winds through groves,
cliffs, and seaside views. The trail is easy, signposted, and connects
historical sites like the castle ruins. It's perfect for hiking,
birdwatching (especially in the Kuusistonlahti Natura 2000 bird nesting
area), or berry picking in season. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while
summer allows for kayaking routes like the Kuusisto-Harvaluoto circuit,
with landing spots for breaks. Bring safety gear for water activities
and check weather conditions. The island's sheltered waters make it
accessible for beginners.
Piikkiö Manor Park: Adjacent to the church,
this park offers enchanting walks through landscaped gardens, forests,
and open areas. It's a tranquil spot for picnics, photography, or simply
enjoying the natural beauty intertwined with historical elements. The
park highlights Kaarina's blend of culture and nature, with paths
suitable for all fitness levels.
Kaarina Central Sports Park and
Coastal Routes: For active visitors, the Central Sports Park features a
1 km illuminated fitness track for running or walking, doubling as a ski
slope in winter. Nearby, the St. Catherine's Trail network and
Kaarina–Pargas Bike Path offer cycling through fields, forests, and
seafronts with resting spots. These routes are popular for their scenic
views, especially in autumn, and are free to use year-round.
Archipelago Seashore: Kaarina's coastline along the Gulf of Finland
invites boating, kayaking, and beach exploration. The sheltered Kuusisto
Sound is ideal for water sports, with rental options available. In
winter, the area transforms for ice skating or snowshoeing, depending on
conditions.
Beyond history and nature, Kaarina offers vibrant cultural spots and
community activities.
Tuorla Manor and Science Center: This
18th-century manor in the Piikkiö area houses the Tuorla Observatory and
Planetarium, an educational site focused on astronomy and science.
Visitors can attend planetarium shows, view telescopes, and explore
exhibits on space and physics. The manor itself is part of a nationally
significant agricultural school site, with surrounding grounds for
walks. It's family-friendly, with cafes and events; check schedules for
guided tours.
Kaarina Church: A modern contrast to the medieval
sites, this red-brick church from 1980, designed by architects
Pitkänen-Laiho-Raunio, features clean lines, a bright interior with wood
accents, and an altar wall depicting the suffering Christ. Connected to
a parish center, it's open for visitors (respect services) and
represents contemporary Finnish architecture.
Kaarina Summer Theatre
and Art Exhibitions: The open-air Kaarina Summer Theatre hosts amateur
performances with a unique atmosphere—bring a blanket for picnics. Art
lovers can visit exhibitions at Kaarina House or Kuusisto Art Manor,
featuring local and international works, often free. Check the Kaarina
Events Calendar for music weeks, film screenings, and author visits.
Local Markets and Shopping: The Kaarina Market Square buzzes with
seasonal produce and local goods, while the city center offers boutiques
and the Kaarina Ostari for unique finds. It's a great way to experience
everyday Finnish life.
Prehistory and early history
In Kaarina's
Ravattula, Muikunvuori has a prehistoric Stone Age and Iron Age
residence with a burning cemetery, two sacrificial stones and an
Iron Age mound. Keetterinmäki has two Bronze Age burial mounds, one
of which has been found with the burnt bones of three deceased. Two
ancient castles are known from Kaarina, Huttala Castle Mountain and
Pussila Castle Mountain. Huttala Castle Hill has been in use since
the Bronze Age.
The area called Kaarina is first mentioned
next to Turku in 1309. At that time, Kaarina was still a parish. Its
name comes from the Church of St. Catherine in the former district
of the parish. The church now belongs to Turku, but the old coat of
arms of Kaarina still depicted St. Catherine of Alexandria and a
road bike (i.e. a catherine's wheel).
The parish was also
initially called Numme, according to its then central village.
Although Kaarina, based on the name of the church, became
established as the name of the parish, Nummi survived alongside it
for a long time. As far back as 1916, there is information that the
folk name of the municipality would be Nummi.
Medieval church
Remains of a medieval church dating from about the 12th century have
been found in Ravattula, Kaarina. The discovery was announced in
September 2013. Ravattula Church was a narrow-bodied building with a
length of about ten and a width of six meters. It is located in the
middle of a vast cemetery previously found. Part of the cemetery is
almost a thousand years old. This is the oldest church found in
Finland.
Kuusisto Castle and Manor
On the island of
Kuusisto are the ruins of a 14th-century episcopal castle, from
which it is still possible to identify in what kind of fortress the
bishops of the Finnish Catholic Church were safe until the
Reformation. The castle was demolished by order of Gustav Vaasa in
1528.
Near the ruins of Kuusisto Castle is Kuusisto Manor,
built in 1738, which served as the office building of the Colonel of
the Turku Infantry Regiment. Before the manor in the Middle Ages, it
housed the Kuusisto Latokartano, which took care of the farming and
animal husbandry of the bishop's castle. Since the summer of 2013,
the manor has housed a multi-sensory art exhibition venue, a café
and an artist's residence under the name Taidekartano.
Historical events
The Finnish War began on February 21, 1808,
when Russia crossed the Finnish border to get Sweden to join the
embargo against Britain to strengthen France's position. The Swedish
troops landed on 19 June in Lemunniemi, Kaarina, behind the
Russians. A memorial by artist Heidi Limnell was unveiled in June
2008 in honor of the Battle of Lemu 200 years ago.
Kaarina
was declared an independent municipality on February 6, 1869. This
year is considered to be the official founding year of Kaarina.
Originally, in addition to its current areas, Kaarina comprised most
of the areas south or east of the Aura River outside Turku, which
now belong to Turku.
A memorial plaque has long been held on
the wall of the old railway station building in the village of
Littoinen on the Kaarina side in honor of V. I. Lenin's escape from
Russia and left the train in Littoinen in 1907. Today, the memorial
plaque is attached to a large memorial stone next to the station
building.
Contemporary Kaarina
In 1939, Nummi, which
surrounded St. Catherine's Church, was annexed to Turku. This
happened on Kaarina's own initiative, as the maintenance of the
workers' district on the Turku border became expensive for the
municipality. However, Kaarina received practical compensation for
this when the municipality of Kuusisto was annexed to Kaarina in
1946.
Around 1960, Littoinen was still the largest
agglomeration in Kaarina, but due to its location, it was not
suitable as a new agglomeration. Thus, an urban center was built in
Ylikylä. As a result, the municipality's focus shifted more to the
region at the intersection of the road to Parais.
In 1993,
Kaarina considered that she met the requirements for a city and
declared herself a city.
On December 17, 2007, the municipal
councils of Kaarina and Piikkiö reached an agreement according to
which Piikkiö will be merged with Kaarina. The union took effect on
January 1, 2009. The name of the expanding city remained Kaarina,
but the coat of arms was taken as the coat of arms of Piikkiö.