In Alvar Aalto’s footsteps and spellboundby the ironworks

Spellbound by the ironworks

The Pori region is home to two ironworks areas. The Ahlström Ironworks in Noormarkku is one of Finland’s largest and most imposing ironworks areas. It offers quality accommodation and restaurant services, as well as cultural tours. Dating back to the 19th-century, the Leineperi ironworks milieu in Ulvila forms a peaceful cultural setting where you can hear the sounds of the nearby rapids while visiting artisans’ workshops, exhibitions and the café-restaurant in a unique environment. In addition to the summer season, the area’s services are available during special events.

In Aalto’s footsteps

Alvar Aalto sites in the Pori region include Villa Mairea in Noormarkku and the Terraced House in Kauttua. Both buildings combine architecture, iconic design furniture, art and wellness with everyday living. People come from all over the world to see these beautiful examples of design and art! Alvar and Aino Aalto designed Villa Mairea as a home for their friends Maire and Harry Gullichsen. Located in the Noormarkku Ironworks area, the building was completed in 1939. At the time, Harry Gullichsen was the General Director of A. Ahlström Oy. Maire Gullichsen was a sponsor and collector of arts, and her collection of foreign art is on display in Villa Mairea. The building also accommodates the Mairea Foundation established by Maire Gullichsen. The Foundation is responsible for showing the building to the public and taking care of its collections. Villa Mairea can be visited on guided tours. Visited by thousands of people every year, it is one of the most renowned private homes in the world

The Old town centre and the riverside

Kivi-Pori is the “old town” of Pori, characterised by numerous beautiful old stone buildings. In the old town centre, you will find the Palace of Junnelius, which serves as the Town Hall of Pori, the Pori Old Town Hall completed in 1841 andm its English-style Raatihuoneenpuisto Park, as well as the elegant theatre building. The stone houses and public buildings in Pori’s riverside Eteläranta district constitute one of the most impressive old stone neighbourhoods in Finland. This district is located between the riverside of Eteläranta and Valtakatu.

Refurbishment of Eteläranta

Pori’s Eteläranta district has been refurbished, and it opened in May 2024 more magnificent than ever. Extensive refurbishment will make the district more comfortable and better suited for both leisurely activities and events. For tourists, Eteläranta is one of the city’s most recognisable places and forms a good background for memorable photos of Pori. It also houses restaurant and cafés for comfortably enjoying the charming scenery a while longer. The Pori Art Museum, located in Eteläranta, will open to the public in early 2025 after its renovation

Atmospheric churches

The churches in the Pori region are culturally and historically significant and represent varying
architecture. Pori’s oldest church is in Ahlainen, and the largest one, representing the neo Gothic style, is Keski-Pori Church in the city centre.

The story behind the final resting place

The Jusélius Mausoleum is located at the Käppärä Cemetery, a few kilometres from the
market square. It is one of Pori’s most popular sights. The mausoleum was built in 1903 for the local industrialist Fritz Arthur Jusélius as the final resting place for his daughter Sigrid, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 11