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Exploring Porvoo, Finland

As if walking 26,000 steps around Helsinki the day before wasn't enough I decided that today I would visit the nearby city of Porvoo.  Porvoo is one of six medieval cities in Finland and known as one of the most picturesque.  It dates from the 14th century.  

So somehow I got my weary behind out of bed and headed to the bus station which is beside the railway station.  That railway station was my nemesis - honestly, I just could not get my head around figuring out the different exits.  Let's just say it took me a while (and asking a lot of people) before I found my way to the bus station which was basically in the basement of the whole train station/shopping mall complex.  I got my ticket at 9:17 am. and the agent said there was a bus leaving in one minute at 9:18.   I caught it by the skin of my teeth - by knocking on the door of the bus as it started backing out.  Luckily he was kind and let me get in.  Just over an hour later we were in Porvoo.  

Upon arrival I made my way from the bus station over to the Old Town, stopping to view the famous red storehouses which are an iconic sight in Porvoo.  Sadly the sun was the "wrong way" and my pictures didn't turn out too great.  These former storehouses appear to be mainly restaurants and private homes. 





I walked up one of the main streets and then crossed over a bridge to get to the other side of the river.  



This was the view from the bridge.  This is the Porvoonjoki (Porvoo river).  



And here is the view of the Old Town from across the river. 




 I wasn't quite sure so I used the one with the wheelchair!  I should write a blog post on all the quirky toilets I have visited in my travels!! (joking...) 


Over the bridge back to Old Town.  My first stop was the Porvoo Cathedral.  



This stone and timber cathedral is a cathedral of the Evangelical Lutheran church.  It was built in the 15th century although it's oldest parts date from the 13th century.  Fire has wreaked havoc on it several times, the last being in 2006.
  

Above is the separate bell tower which was built between 1414 and 1418 and stands close by.  



I thought this pulpit was beautiful. 




I find churches a good place to sit and look at my tour books/brochures and rest my weary feet. 



I then made my way back to the centre of the Old Town.  I was on a mission to find the restaurant Hanna-Maria which I had read served good traditional food cafeteria-style and featured the famous Runeberg Torte. 




There was a market in the main square but I didn't find anything exciting enough to purchase.  I did pop into a few shops though. 



I finally found the restaurant! I asked the girl serving what was the most popular traditional dish they had and she said salmon soup so that's what I had.  Those are potatoes in with it. It was pretty good.  There was a reason I had a light lunch - I wanted to have dessert!!! 



I treated myself to the famous Runeberg Torte which is a local specialty.  It is almond rum cake with a raspberry and cream topping.  Very nice!! By then I'd had enough.  It was getting crowded, it was hot and I was tired.  Those 26,000 steps were catching up with me BIG TIME and I was feeling a bit dizzy.  So I walked back to the bus depot and got the next bus back.  As we passed over the bridge I once again saw the Red Storehouses and the lighting was perfect. (of course!)  



Once back at the station I walked over to the Kamppi Chapel.  It is certainly a different looking building but the Finnish are known for their unique designs. This church was completed in 2012 and made completely of wood.  It welcomes people of all faiths or none for quiet contemplation.  No photos were allowed inside.  It was very simple and austere. 

Totally knackered I staggered back to the station and boarded the metro back "home".  I stopped at the supermarket to get myself a sandwich for supper.  Ani gave me some cherries and I spent another evening on the balcony just drinking in the scenery (and there could have been another wine cooler involved) and catching up with my journal.  

I enjoyed Porvoo and it makes for an interesting half-day visit. 

 






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