Turku, founded in the 13th century, is the oldest and fifth largest city in Finland, with a population of 175,354 (as of 2006). Located (60.27° N 22.16° E) at the mouth of the Aura river in the southwest of the country, it is the capital city of both the region of Finland Proper and the province of Western Finland, as well as being the centre of the country's third largest urban area, with around 300,000 inhabitants. Turku has one of the largest Finland-Swedish populations in the country. Due to its location, the Port of Turku is one of the busiest seaports in Finland with around 3.7 million passengers per year.
Turku has a cultural identity as Finland's historical centre, as it was the largest city in the country. It was also the capital 9 century to 1812 after which time Helsinki was made the capital. It also hosted the country's first university, The Royal Academy of Turku.

Turku Art Museum
Turku Art Museum has since 1904 been one of the most influential institutions in the local and national art scene. The internationally acclaimed collection of the museum comprises old masterpieces as well as important contemporary works.

Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art
Museum building, named after the famous Turku artists Wäinö Aaltonen, is situated by the River Aurajoki. In addition to temporary exhibitions the museum hosts concerts, special theme days and other events. The museum café and museum shop are open to the public as well as to the museum visitors.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, a museum of archaeological history and contemporary art, is located in central Turku by the River Aurajoki. The museum is run by the Matti Koivurinta Foundation.
 
Turku Castle and Historical Museum
The history of Turku Castle stretches back to the 1280s. The permanent exhibitions in the bailey illustrate the history and culture of Finland, and Turku in particular. - The main bastion houses artefacts from various historical periods. ♦ Special exhibition: Nobility in Finnish Society 

Churches and Chapels in Turku
The Turku Cathedral is the national shrine of Finland. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St. Henrik, the church was inaugurated in 1300. - Photo: Michael´s Church, designed by Lars Sonck 1905.

Road Churches in Turku and the Turku Archdiocese
There are 269 churches in different parts of the country participating in the Road Church chain. ♦ Road Churches in Turku: Turku Cathedral, Michael's Church, St. Catherine's Church and St. Mary's Church.

Turku Cathedral Summer Music
Organ concert every Tuesdays at 20 and Wednesday afternoon concert at 14 June-August 2007 by various artists from Finland and abroad. Admission free. 
 
Turku Cathedral, Cathedral Museum
The Turku Cathedral is the national shrine of Finland. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St. Henrik, the church was inaugurated in 1300. 

Parks and Gardens
Turku can be a considered a forerunner in terms of Finnish gardening culture. Cultivation of garden plants has a long history dating back to the medieval age, when herbs and useful plants were cultivated on the grounds of the Turku Castle. 

Botanic Gardens at Ruissalo
The Botanical Garden of the University of Turku at Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific study and a window into the world of plants open to the public.