Olavinlinna Castle
| The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls. The changes in the ownership of the castle left their mark on Olavinlinna: this can be seen in the varied architecture of the castle. These days the castle's halls and rooms can be rented and used for all kinds of events. Amica Restaurants take care of the catering during these events. There are two small exhibitions in the castle: the Castle Museum displays artifacts found in the castle or related to it, and the Orthodox Museum displays icons and other religious artifacts both from Finland and Russia. |
Olavinlinna in winter from the east. Photo: The National Board of Antiquities. |
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Jäälinna Spektaakkeli - "Ice Castle Spectacle" in Olavinlinna Castle 21st February - 6th of Mars 2012 |
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A new exhibition featuring the history of Olavinlinna Castle has been opened 20th of October 2011 |
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New Exhibition catalogue "In The Shelter of The Walls - Life in Olavinlinna Castle" for sale at the museum shop |
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