Senaatintori
It is better to start the sightseeing tour around Helsinki from
Senate Square (Senaatintori). The ensemble of Senaatintori and surrounding
buildings was gradually forming during 1818-1852. The elegant Senate
Square, created in the style of neoclassicism, takes the tourists
to 1820. It is situated in 120 km from the Southern Port. Built
in all the strict canons of neoclassicism, framed with numerous
office blocks Senaatintori is considered to be one of the best examples
of the neoclassic architecture. On the western side of the square
there is University of Helsinki (Helsingin Yliopisto), higher, on
the hill - the main library of the University (Yliopiston paakirjasto).
On the eastern side the building of the government is located. There
are also many shops and restaurants on the Senaatintori. Senate
Square as well as modern Helsinki is one of the most beautiful places
in the world. It was reconstructed according to the plan of German
architect from Berlin Engel, who lived in Finland. The main achievement
of the architecture is that he could create the harmonious and integral
ensemble as Russian masters did. So, it is interesting to discover
that Senaatintori has much in common with Saint Petersburg architecture.
Due to this fact in the 19th century Helsinki was called "White
capital of North". In the center of the Square there is the
Statue of Alexander II, which was erected in 1984. Emperor Alexander
II expanded the autonomy of Finland and did all possible for the
development of Finnish culture. He is portrayed in the uniform of
guards officer. The sculpture is made of bronze, pedestal - of red
granite. Around the figure of Alexander II there are sculptures
"Law", "Peace" "Light" and "Labour".
No doubts that Senaatintori is the main sight of Helsinki and it
is worth visiting.
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