I spent one autumnal day of September in the city of Hämeenlinna, Finland. I've rarely been visiting old castles and this visit surprised by beauty of ancient castle and nature. I got acquainted with the history of the castle, climbed the narrow stairs in the walls and towers of the castle.
Häme Castle, a medieval castle in Hämeenlinna, Finland is currently a museum operated by the Finnish Heritage Agency.
The Castle was built during the late 13th century to serve as military base in the border zone between Sweden and Russia. The Russian Novgorod Chronicle only mentions one castle in 1311, its description matching well with this castle. The first castle was made of gray stone, and later bricks were used. At the end of the Middle ages the castle was governed by Sweden.
I liked a beautiful view of the lake, the moat and the surroundings that opened from the narrow windows of the tower.
In addition to its status as a military fortress and home for Swedish nobility, the castle has seen use as a prison from 1837 to 1953.
The museum presents statues of medieval knights that were located in some ceremonial halls of the castle. There were even clothes of people of those years that visitors could try on. I tried on - the clothes were much shorter than me. Probably people in the Middle Ages were smaller than we are now.
During the Middle Ages the original fortified camp was built for its commandant.
The medieval castle of Häme was originally located on the island. The island has been connected to the coast for centuries, and now the castle is located on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi, Finland. Lake Vanajavesi is one of Finland's largest lakes and is very popular.
The main castle is now presented as a historical monument and has been a museum since 1988.
What do you think of visiting the old medieval castle? What do you expect to see there?
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Hola Nadezda, que curioso lugar. Las fotos son preciosas. Feliz semana. Besos.
ReplyDeleteQue bueno que te gustaron mis fotos, Lola.
DeleteBesos.
I am sure it was a fascinating visit from every perspective. I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed the experience.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure David you would have liked to climb up the towers and take a look from there.
DeleteHugs!
The castle looks so forbidding and strong. I always find them impressive but I'm always glad I don't have to live in one! Do you feel the same?
ReplyDeleteYes, I do Jenny. I tried to imagine heating inside the halls and rooms. I found out there were some fireplaces in bedrooms. I think it's not comfortable living in any castle.
DeleteDear Nadezda!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting castle located in a beautiful place. I've never been to Finland, but I really enjoy visiting old castles. You can feel the spirit of times past.
Hugs and greetings.
Anita
You're right Anita, one can feel the time stopped there. Old castles save the spirit of the past days.
DeleteHappy week!
Hello Nadezda!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a very beautiful place to visit. The view over the lake is very pretty. The castle looks very impressiv.
Hugs!
The views from the castle windows are nice, I agree Marit.
DeleteAll the best!
Hope you had a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteYes, I had Anne. Kiitos.
DeleteHello Nadezda
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, it looks such a nice place to visit.
I did enjoy seeing all of your photographs.
Happy November wishes.
All the best Jan
Happy week to you too, Jan.
Deleteinteresting place!
ReplyDeletethanks, Endah!
DeleteEs un castillo muy bonito, me ha gustado mucho. Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteSi, es interesante, Teresa.
DeleteBesos!
Has disfrutado un día estupendo amiga. Me encanta visitar estos castillos e imaginar la vida que hubo en ellos.
ReplyDeleteEstupendas fotos Nadezda.
Te deseo buena noche.
Un abrazo.
Me encanta Laura que te gustaron mis fotos. El castillo es viejo, yo pasé bien tiempo visitándolo.
DeleteAbrazos!
I enjoyed this post thanks Nadezda, castles are always fascinating and rich in history.
ReplyDeleteYes they are such, I agree Karen.
DeleteHugs!
Thank you Agnes.
ReplyDeleteВпечатляющий замкок! Спасибо, Наджеда, за восхитительную проугулку.
ReplyDeleteРядом с Каркассоном есть один такой замок, в одном из залов которого ресторан. Владельцы ресторана постарались воссоздать атмосферу средневековья. Посетители могут надеть костюмы (я отказалась, так как было очень жарко, а костюмы были пыльные и вонючие). Мы сидели за громадным дубовым столом в деревянных креслах с высокими спинками. Еду подавали в плошках из половины круглого хлеба. Причём блюда и напитки были якобы той эпохи. Тяжёлая очень еда, надо сказать. Да ещё и в духоте, хотя был вечер. Я поняла, что для меня важнее комфорт.
Как здорово, что вы Лола, пообедали в настоящем замке! Костюм средневековый я приложила к себе и поняла что он слишком короткий - люди были не высокие в те века :-0.
DeleteПриятно, что мы живем более комфортно сейчас.
Great photos Nadezda! Beautiful castle and nice lake.
ReplyDeleteGood week! Hugs!
Gracias, Tania.
DeleteBesos.
Interesting and beautiful castle. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteI love walking around castles and other ancient monuments.
Hugs from Portugal
Maria
So do I, Maria.
DeleteAll the best!
Thank you for sharing your visit to this castle Nadezda. It is in such a good position to view the lake and for any enemies approaching, in the old days! It would be a very sombre prison with such high walls and very cold in the winter, I imagine.
ReplyDeleteThere are no such castles to visit here, but I always enjoy visiting them on my trips to UK and Ireland. So much history of centuries past, plus they are usually situated in a place from which to see wonderful views.
Hope you are well and keeping warm. It has been quite cool here in Melbourne, 'though bush fires are raging in the north of the country. We are fortunate to have had some good rain here to keep us going for the summer. Melbourne is becoming such a big city.
Greetings and good wishes.
Betty
I know Betty, there are no such castles in Australia. Therefore, it was very interesting to visit them in Europe, I agree.
DeleteI am glad that your place is rather quiet this summer, there have still been no fires. Thank God I hope you don’t have them at all.
Hugs!