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, Art House Turku’s courtyard and Cathedral School yard.
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 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.
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.
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. It is named after Henrik Gabriel Porthan and features a statue representing him. 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 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. In the play area, 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!
At the historical reenactment camp, you can experience history up close as reenactors set up their tents in the Cathedral School yard. Come see what daily life was like in a medieval camp, complete with all its equipment. Historical sword-fighting demonstrations will liven up the schoolyard. Historical reenactment is a diverse hobby, and the reenactment groups are happy to share information about their activities.
In addition to the reenactors, there will be an interactive activity station for children in the schoolyard related to the history of schooling, in celebration of the Cathedral School’s 750th anniversary.
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 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.
Hjelt Mansion’s courtyard (better known to many as the former restaurant Teini’s courtyard) will serve as the event’s Sahti Quad this year! Olu Bryki Raum, which has operated at the Market Square in Medieval Turku for many years, will be serving its products in the heart of Sahtipiha this year.
Sahtipiha will feature a wide variety of programme, ranging from scenes from a market play to music and lectures on the history of beer brewing. Come taste malt beverages in great company!
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.
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.
Some program will be held on the terrace of Pizzeria Via Tribunali, located on the edge of Porthan’s Park during the Medieval Turku.
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 Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum is located on the banks of the River Aura, in the Rettig Palace, at Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6. During the Medieval Turku the museum offers some free program.
The medieval Cathedral towers over the city. Turku spreads out around the church all the way to the churchyard fence, with its sounds, smells, and narrow alleys. The church itself is closed for renovations, but there are events taking place in the vicinity of the church in Brahe Park, on the Old Great Square, in the the Holy Ghost Chapel (ground floor of the Casagrande House), and in the courtyard of the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum.
12:00–18:00 Parish information stand open in the market area during the Medieval Turku.
Turku Castle is located near the port of Turku. The address is Linnankatu 80. Turku Castle offers guided tours during the Medieval Turku.