Turku Castle, Medieval castle and museum in Turku, Finland.
Turku Castle stands at the mouth of the Aura River and consists of two joined parts: a medieval keep with a square gateway tower and walls 5 metres thick at the base, and a Renaissance bailey begun in the late 15th century. The keep was completed in the early 15th century; the bailey has several turrets.
Construction of this fortress began in 1280 when Swedish rulers established a military stronghold at the river mouth. Over the following centuries, the structure was expanded and modified to serve different political and military purposes.
The castle displays medieval objects and royal chambers that show how people lived in Finland across different time periods. Visitors walk through these rooms and learn about daily life and the importance this place held for the region.
The fortress is open to visitors from Tuesday through Sunday, with guided tours available. Access for people with mobility needs is limited, so it is helpful to check conditions beforehand.
Between 1395 and 1398, the castle may have served as a base for the Victual Brothers, privateers turned pirates, invited by its chief Knut Bosson Grip amid Baltic trade intrigues. Around 1400, pirates also raided Turku Cathedral, on the opposite bank of the Aura River.
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