Helsinki is the capital of Finland. Located at the crossroads between eastern and western Europe, surrounded by water on three sides. It is a compact city, home to approximately 550,000 citizens. Founded in 1550, the city has a long and diverse history. Once a part of Sweden, Helsinki was a part of imperial Russia in the late 19th and early 20th century and much of the old city reflects the neoclassical architecture popular in St. Petersburg at the time. Finland was a part of the Soviet bloc countries after the Second World War, but has really come into its own by the end of communism in 1970.Attractions in Helsinki
· Kallisoopera SuomenAn excellent example of modern Finnish architecture, this arts complex was completed in 1993 and includes an outdoor amphitheater and a collection of changing art exhibits. The weekend of free chamber music concerts held here and the city's opera, ballet.
Museum of Kiasma (Museum of Modern Art)The newest museum in Helsinki, Kiasma-1960 features after Finnish contemporary art with a smattering of international art from the same period. This is a bright and airy museum, with light streaming through the many windows and skylights. The Kiasma Museum is an interactive, with kiosks on the Internet and a multimedia center.
· Lutheran CathedralAn unofficial symbol of the city, the 19th-century neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral in the center of town, in Senate Square. It has recently been cleaned and restored and is open daily for visitors without a ticket. Statues of the twelve apostles look down from the roof.
· Temple Square ChurchThis modern church is carved into the rock below it, with only the roof visible from outside the building. Constructed in 1969, this quiet Lutheran church is one of the most popular sights in Helsinki. The free concerts are regularly held here and the acoustics are awe-inspiring.Shopping in Helsinki
Sleek, modern Scandinavian design is renowned throughout the world, and Helsinki offers some excellent shopping opportunities. Look for handmade pottery and art glass, hand-loomed carpets and fashion, and jewelry. main shopping street of the city is Aleksanterinkatu, which runs from Senate Square and is filled with department stores. Market Square is home to a market this morning, featuring products from all over Finland, and artifacts. In December, a Christmas market, is added.Food
Helsinki is a very cosmopolitan city and home to a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from small cafés to luxury restaurants are located. Finland is famous for its smorgasbord, a buffet dinner featuring sliced cold meats and cheeses, herring and eel, cold salads and freshly baked pastries and bread. Because Finland is surrounded by water, fish and seafood is plentiful and tasty here. Russian cuisine is also popular, a remnant of the two countries intertwined history. Food in Finland is quite expensive, but department store cafes offer a good value for tourists. Vodka is a favorite drink and the quality is high and prices are low.
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