History and Architecture
Helsinki was originally established at the mouth of the Vataanjoki River in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. For 650 years, the kings of Sweden were the rulers of Finland. Except for Gustavus III, they rarely visited Finland but 
significant areas of Finland were enfeoffed to nobility of Swedish birth. After the War of Finland between Sweden and Russia in 1808-1809 Finland was joined to the Russian Empire as an autonomous Grand Duchy. Helsinki became capital of Finland in 1812 and Turku finally lost its former role as a centre of administration and culture when the university was moved to Helsinki in 1828. The Republic of Finland gained independence in 1917 but war cast its shadow on the first decades of the newly formed Republic and it was not until after the Second World War that Finland started its gradual development into the modern society of today.
Eastern and western influence from the past 450 years can be seen everywhere – in the city’s architecture, culinary 
culture, event offerings and its friendly people. The city centre, especially around the Senate Square, is a unique and cohesive example of neoclassical architecture. The Byzantine – Russian architectural tradition is represented by the Uspenski Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe.
The Neo-Renaissance work can be admired 
along the north side of the Esplanade, as well as in the Ateneum Art Museum, and Helsinki boasts the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe. The latest architectural trends are represented by the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and Sanomatalo in the city centre and by the High Tech Centre in the Ruoholahti district.
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