Martinsilta (Saint Martin's Bridge), Turku

Martinsilta (Saint Martin's Bridge), Turku

Saint Martin's Bridge (Martinsilta) is a notable beam bridge that spans the Aurajoki River in Turku. Completed in 1940, the bridge's origins trace back to the urban planning efforts of architect Carl Ludvig Engel, who proposed a bridge at its current location in the aftermath of the Great Fire of Turku in 1827. Measuring 104.5 meters (343 feet) in length, Saint Martin's Bridge serves as a vital connection from Linnankatu to Itäinen Rantakatu, carrying one-way traffic in a south-southeast direction.

Saint Martin's Bridge works in tandem with the nearby Mill Bridge (Myllysilta), which directs one-way traffic in the opposite direction. In 2010, when the Mill Bridge bridge collapsed, Saint Martin's Bridge temporarily adapted to two-way traffic until Myllysilta was reconstructed and reopened. This temporary transformation highlights the bridge's role in the city's infrastructure, demonstrating resilience in times of need.

The bridge offers picturesque views of the river and is a key component of Turku's historical and modern urban landscape. Whether as a piece of practical infrastructure or as a symbol of Turku's adaptability, Saint Martin's Bridge holds both historical significance and functional importance in Finland's oldest city.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Turku. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Martinsilta (Saint Martin's Bridge) on Map

Sight Name: Martinsilta (Saint Martin's Bridge)
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Turku, Finland

Create Your Own Walk in Turku

Create Your Own Walk in Turku

Creating your own self-guided walk in Turku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Turku Introduction Walking Tour

Turku Introduction Walking Tour

Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The city served as the capital of Finland from September 1809 through April 1812. It is a popular tourist destination because of its long history and impact on Finnish culture.

The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.

...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Turku's Architectural Jewels

Turku's Architectural Jewels

The oldest city in Finland, Turku, has several attractive old buildings that catch the eye and showcase the city's rich history and culture.

Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli)....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles