Per Brahe Statue, Turku

The Per Brahe Statue in Turku is a tribute to Per Brahe the Younger, a notable figure who served as the Governor-General of Finland and the first chancellor of the Academy of Turku. Designed by Walter Runeberg, the statue was unveiled in 1888 and stands prominently in Brahenpuisto. The bronze statue is 2.95 meters tall, resting on a 4-meter-high red granite base. Inscribed on the base is a Swedish phrase that translates to, "I was satisfied with my country, and my country satisfied with me."

The statue in Turku has an interesting backstory. Runeberg initially sculpted a statue for Turku, but the pedestal in Brahenpuisto was too large. Consequently, this original statue was sold to Raahe, where it now stands in the Pekkatori square. Runeberg then created the current version of the statue specifically for Turku later that same year. Other statues of Per Brahe can be found in Raahe, Lieksa, and Kajaani in Finland, as well as in Gränna, Sweden.

Per Brahe was a significant figure in Finnish history, known for his administrative reforms and his contributions to the country's cultural and economic development. His legacy is honored not only by statues but also by the respect he garnered during his time as governor.