
Vartiovuori Observatory, Turku
Vartiovuori observatory is the former observatory of the Royal Academy of Turku. Building was completed in 1819 and designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. By its style, the neoclassical observatory is typical work of Engel and it has obvious similarity to Helsinki University Observatory and Pulkovo Observatory (in St. Petersburg, Russia), which are as well Engel's work. Building is located on top of the Vartiovuori hill, close to the cathedral and Aura river and it's well visible from many places in city center.
The observatory and several wooden houses (current Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum) on the hill were saved from the Great Fire of Turku 1827. Observatory is famous for a note made by German astronomer Friedrich Wilhelm Argelander:
"Here the observations were stopped by a horrible fire which burn the whole city into ashes but, thanks to God, left the observatory intact".
The observatory and several wooden houses (current Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum) on the hill were saved from the Great Fire of Turku 1827. Observatory is famous for a note made by German astronomer Friedrich Wilhelm Argelander:
"Here the observations were stopped by a horrible fire which burn the whole city into ashes but, thanks to God, left the observatory intact".
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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 iTunes App Store or Google Play. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Vartiovuori Observatory on Map
Sight Name: Vartiovuori Observatory
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Turku, Finland
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's Architectural Jewels
The oldest city in Finland, Turku has numerous, attractive old buildings that catch the eye and leave you with a great memory of your stay in this charming city. Each of the prominent landmark constructions of Turku tells its own story. Take the following walking tour to discover the architectural jewels of Turku.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Turku Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Turku is a home to a number of lovely tourist attractions and landmarks fit to make anyone's visit to the city a pleasant holiday experience. This tour will take you to some of the most prominent sights of Turku.
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles