Kuusisto Castle, Medieval episcopal ruins in Kaarina, Finland.
Kuusisto Castle comprises the ruins of an episcopal fortress on an island near Turku, with foundations dating to the early 14th century. The site displays portions of fortifications, residential quarters, and outer walls that reveal the original layout of the complex.
The fortress was built in the early 14th century as a residence for Catholic bishops and served as a center of ecclesiastical authority in the region. In 1528, King Gustav I of Sweden ordered its destruction as part of the Protestant Reformation, leaving it in ruins.
The name Kuusisto comes from Finnish, referring to the sheltered island location where this episcopal residence stood. Visitors can observe how medieval clergy organized their daily routines within these stone structures.
The site is accessible year-round, with pathways guiding visitors through the remaining structures. The island location is easy to reach, and informative markers help explain the layout and history of what remains.
The ruins house multiple species of bats that have established colonies within the ancient stone walls. These nocturnal residents demonstrate how the abandoned site has become part of a living ecosystem.
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