EVENT AREA

On this page, you will find an introduction to the Medieval Turku’s event area.

The Medieval Turku takes place across several locations: the Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori), Porthan’s Park, the Brinkkala Courtyard, the Restaurant Teini’s courtyard, and the Art House Turku’s courtyard.

The event area offers a wide range of sights and experiences during the event, including a work exhibitions area, a market play, and skilled artisan vendors.

You can find the full event program by clicking here.

Below you can see a map of the entire event area. The individual sections of the event are presented in more detail after the map.

The Old Great Square

The Old Great Square (Vanha Suurtori) served as an important transportation hub, marketplace, and administrative center from the 13th century to the early 19th century. Today, the square is home to four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, the Old Town Hall, the Hjelt Mansion, and the Juselius Mansion. These old buildings have been renovated for cultural use. The Old Great Square is located within the area bordered by Hämeenkatu, Uudenmaankatu, Nunnankatu, and Itäinen Rantakatu. The distance from Turku’s Market Square to the Old Great Square is less than one kilometer.

During the Medieval Turku, the Old Great Square is filled with all kinds of fascinating medieval activity. The square is lined with vendor and tavern booths selling medieval wares—from jewelry and rooster whistles to juicy pork belly. Scenes from a medieval play are performed in the square, along with musical performances. In addition, the event’s Info Point is located at the edge of the square.

Porthan’s Park

Porthan’s Park is located in the center of Turku between the Old Great Square and Brahe’s Park. It is named after Henrik Gabriel Porthan and features a statue representing him. During the Medieval Turku, the park is home to vendors selling beautiful handmade crafts, a work exhibitions area, and a children’s craft yard. In addition, the restaurant Via Tribunali is located at the edge of the park.

Work Exhibitions Area

In the work exhibitions area, various artisans showcase and sell their magnificent medieval skills, including jewelry, wooden and metal weapons, other handcrafted items — and even food!

Children’s Craft Yard

In the children’s craft yard, the little ones of the family can enjoy all sorts of fun activities such as medieval-themed coloring pages, ring toss, and more. Additionally, Auran tytöt will organize the popular and super-fun Hero School, which has become a favorite in recent years!

Musical evening entertainment will be held on the terrace of Pizzeria Via Tribunali, located on the edge of Porthan’s Park, on Friday, June 27, from 9 PM to midnight.

The Brinkkala Courtyard

Located at the Old Great Square, the Brinkkala Mansion is one of the most well-known buildings of old Turku. Its famous balcony is where the annual Christmas Peace is proclaimed. In the Brinkkala Courtyard, you will find the Turku Book Café as well as shops Outolintu, Taito keskus and Beda shop. The headquarters of assocations Varsinais-Suomen Viro-keskus and Turun Suutorin keskiaika are also located here.

In addition to its regular residents, the Brinkkala Courtyard hosts vendors, beverage stalls, and the Brinkkala Stage during the Medieval Turku. On the stage, scenes from an exciting medieval play are performed.

The Teini’s Courtyard

Located in the Juselius Mansion next to the Old Great Square, the restaurant Teini is a cozy and atmospheric local eatery in Turku.

During the Medieval Turku, the courtyard of Restaurant Teini will host various programs.

As evening entertainment, TeiniFolk will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 9 PM to midnight. Come enjoy folk music and folk rock in a medieval atmosphere!

Scenes from the market play will also be performed on the stage located in the Teini’s Courtyard.

The Art House Turku’s Courtyard

The Art House Turku is a Turku-based center for various branches of the arts. It is home to, among others, Kino Kilta and Turun ylioppilasteatteri. On the other side of the Art House Turku’s courtyard, you’ll also find Café Elephanten. The Art House Turku hosts numerous art exhibitions and other events every year.

Since mid-May 2024, the Art House Turku’s courtyard and its covered stage have served as a venue for many music and theater performances. Events have been organized by various associations, businesses, individuals, and organizations.

During the Medieval Turku, the Art House Turku’s courtyard will feature scenes from the market play and other program highlights.