Porvoo

Porvoo is situated on the southern coast of Finland. 

Population: 47 900 inhabitants. 64 % of the people speak Finnish and 33 % speak Swedish.
Area: 2139.46 km², 654.77-land, 10.22-water and 1474.47-aqua area?

The modern city of Porvoo was organized in 1997, by uniting the old city and the neighbouring grounds. The old city was first mentioned in the beginning of 14th century. Porvoo received its town charter in 1380. The city was burned several times. The biggest fire happened in 1760. From 1809, the city was a very popular place, Tsar Alexander I’s vacation place.

The famous poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg lived in Porvoo from 1837, nowadays his home has become a museum. The church of Porvoo was built in the middle of the century, at the time of the King´s Road construction.
Nowadays there is a Swedish language service held in the church. Newspapers are published in Swedish as well. Since 2006 Gustav Björkstrand has been the working bishop.
The centre of Porvoo is 40 kilometers from Helsinki.

There is a musical festival "Avanti" in Porvoo, in the summer time.
Porvoo has many small islands, including: Vessö, Emäsalo, Suurpellinki, Kroko, Hakasalo, 
Onas and Pirttisaari, which are great for fishing in summer and winter.