ACCESSIBILITY

The Medieval Turku will take place at the Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori) and its immediate surroundings (Porthan’s Park, the Brinkkala Courtyard, the Art House Turku’s courtyard and Cathedral School yard) from June 25th to 28th, 2026. Opening hours are Thursday–Friday from 12 PM to 8 PM and Saturday–Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM. Admission to the event is free of charge.

The Old Great Square on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/c91R7GwgSXfg9eo7A

The Old Great Square is located in the area bordered by Uudenmaankatu, Hämeenkatu, Nunnankatu, and Itäinen Rantakatu. The distance from Turku’s Market Square (Kauppatori) to the Old Great Square is less than one kilometer.

We recommend using public transportation, as parking near the Old Market Square is limited. You can find bus schedules here.

There are two parking spaces designated specifically for people with disabilities behind Kirjakahvila. You can drive there from Hämeenkatu.

The event area is completely closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Bicycling is prohibited, and access by car is not allowed.

The event area is mostly accessible. Getting around the Brinkkala courtyard is more challenging due to the cobblestone pavement. Please be prepared for crowds. Some parts of the program are not accessible. More detailed information can be found in the program descriptions.

Below is a map of the event area and more detailed information on accessibility in the event area.

Event area

The event’s Info Point is located at the corner of the Old Town Hall (Vanha Raatihuone) and the Brinkkala Mansion. At the Info Point, you can purchase official event merchandise. You can also get detailed information about the program, guidance, and assistance in emergencies.

Access to The Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori) Suurtori Square is barrier-free from Uudenmaankatu and Itäinen Rantakatu. There is also barrier-free access to the Old Great Square from the Art House Turku’s courtyard via the Brinkkala courtyard. The surface of the square is mostly level and paved, but it slopes in places.

The Work Display Area is in the Porthan’s Park, which is located in the center of Turku between the Old Great Square and Brahe’s Park. The park is accessible from Uudenmaankatu. Sand- and gravel-surfaced paths run through the park. In addition, the lawn areas feature plastic and wooden decking with low thresholds.

Children’s Play Area is in the Porthan’s Park, which is located in the center of Turku between the Old Great Square and Brahe’s Park. The park is accessible from Uudenmaankatu. Sand- and gravel-surfaced paths run through the park.

Historical reenactment camp is located in the Cathedral School courtyard. There is a accessible entrance from Nunnakatu. Nunnankatu slopes down toward the river. The courtyard surface is mostly gravel and uneven in places.

An accessible path runs across the Brinkkala courtyard from the Old Great Square to the Art House Turku’s courtyard. There is an accessible viewing area in front of the performance stage. Otherwise, moving around the courtyard is more challenging due to the cobblestone pavement.

Sahti Quad is located in the Hjelt Mansion’’s courtyard. It can be accessed from the Old Great Square, but there is a section of cobblestone pavement along the way. Another entrance is on Uudenmaankatu. The entrance slopes down toward the courtyard. The courtyard surface is gravel and uneven in places. There is a terrace in the courtyard, accessible via a ramp. 

Art House Turku’s facilities and courtyard are not fully accessible, but modifications are being made to improve accessibility.

The pathways from Hämeenkatu, Nunnankatu, and the courtyard have uneven cobblestone paving. The courtyard paving consists of cobblestones covered with sand. The building’s courtyard slopes toward the river.

There accessible route at the gate between the Art House Turku’s courtyard and the Brinkkala Yard.

Located at the Old Great Square, the Brinkkala Mansion is one of the most well-known buildings of old Turku. There is no barrier-free access to the interior of the building. The event program takes place in the inner courtyard, which is crossed by an accessible path leading from the Old Great Square to Art House Turku’s courtyard. There is an accessible viewing area in front of the performance stage. Otherwise, moving around the courtyard is more challenging due to the cobblestone pavement.

Some program will be held on the terrace of Pizzeria Via Tribunali, located on the edge of Porthan’s Park during the Medieval Turku. There are three steps at the front of the terrace facing the park, but you can also access the terrace from the back. There is a threshold when entering the tent from the back. The restaurant staff will assist you if needed. The terrace on the river side of the restaurant is accessible via a ramp.

The first aid station is located in the Porthan Park, and there is also a moving first aid team in the area.

Rohan Stables, a riding stable specializing in historical riding and performances, arranges horse tournament shows next to Brahe’s Park during the Medieval Turku. The area is mostly cobblestone, but it is possible to navigate the area in a wheelchair.

A limited number of wheelchair spaces are available; they are located in the spectator area next to the tournament gate, allowing for unobstructed viewing of the performances. An assistant may attend the event free of charge.

The program includes horses, battle reenactments, cannon fire, and smoke effects, which means there will be loud noises and smoke at times during the event.

The Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum is located on the banks of the River Aura, in the Rettig Palace, at Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6. The entrance ramp to the museum is accessed from outside. Any visitors with wheelchairs are asked to contact the museum staff on arrival or in advance.

The Cathedral is closed for renovations, but events will take place in Brahe’s park, at the Old great Square, at the Holy Ghost Chapel (on the ground floor of the Casagrande House), and in the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova museum’s courtyard. Information on accessibility can be found on the program page.

Turku Castle is located near the port of Turku. The address is Linnankatu 80. Turku Castle offers guided tours during Medieval Turku. The guided tour of the medieval fortress is not accessible. The courtyard paving consists of uneven natural stones; the outdoor and indoor staircases are partially difficult to use; and the doorways are narrow. The interior spaces can be dimly lit and labyrinthine, and there are numerous changes in floor level throughout the fortress. You cannot participate in the tour if you use a rollator or a wheelchair.

Accessible toilets

There are accessible  toilets in Art House Turku and Kunsthalle Turku. Art House Turku’s accessible toilets are located in the Palokunta and Tehdas buildings. The accessible toilet at Kunsthalle is located on the 1st floor of the Old Town Hall, which is accessible from the rear of the building. The accessible restroom at Kunsthalle is available during the Iso Galleria’s opening hours: Thu–Fri 12:00–18:00 and Sat–Sun 12:00–16:00.