Noah's Ark, Suomenlinna

Noah's Ark is a rectangular stone structure with three floors located on the fortress island of Suomenlinna near Helsinki. The building features symmetrical windows across its facade and sits close to the waterfront, blending into the island's maritime setting.

Built in 1771 during Swedish rule, the structure served the military needs of the fortress period. It emerged when Suomenlinna was expanding as a strategic stronghold to defend the Gulf of Finland.

The name refers to the biblical vessel and shows how religious ideas shaped building design in that era. When you walk past it, you notice how this reference remains part of the island's storytelling.

The building sits on Suomenlinna island, which is only accessible by ferry from Helsinki's Market Square. Ferries run year-round, and the journey itself gives you a sense of the place before you arrive.

The roof incorporates specialized water collection systems, a practical solution that shows early sustainable building practices in the Nordic region. This was well ahead of modern green construction standards in how it managed resources.