Virrat (Swedish: Virdois) is a Finnish city located in the
province of Pirkanmaa. The municipality was founded at the beginning
of 1868, the founding decision was made in 1867. Virrat changed from
rural to commercial on 1 January 1974, and from commercial to urban
on 1 January 1977. Virrat previously belonged to Vaasa County, from
where it was transferred to Häme County in early 1969.
In the
Small Encyclopedia published in 1928, Virtain is considered to
belong to Pohjois-Satakunta. The New Encyclopedia, published in the
1960s, mentions Virrat as belonging to the province of Southern
Ostrobothnia. The 1968 Finland Handbook defines Virtain as being
located in Pirkanmaa on the borders of Southern Ostrobothnia and
Central Finland in historic Satakunta.
The streams are home
to 6,536 people and cover an area of 1,299.08 km2, of which 136.41
km2 are water bodies. The population density is 5.62 inhabitants /
km2.
Virta's neighboring municipalities are Alavus, Keuruu,
Kihniö, Mänttä-Vilppula, Ruovesi, Seinäjoki, Ylöjärvi and Ähtäri.
Virtain Church was built in 1772–1774 under the leadership of
church builder Antti Hakola. Virtai Parish belongs to the Diocese of
Lapua.