When Finland was under the Swedish regime, from the Middle Ages until 1809, Turku was the capital because of its vicinity to Sweden. The Turku Castle was the residence of the Swedish kings and queens as they visited Finland. The town was a lively medieval trading point, one of the cities of the Hansa League. It was through these international contacts that the western civilization and Christianity came to Finland. One of the medieval traditions still remains: Turku, nowadays also the Christmas City of Finland, is the only city in Europe where Christmas Peace is officially declared on Christmas Eve. The declaration is broadcast through radio and television to several other European countries.
In the early 19th century Finland became part of the Russian empire. Turku lost its status as the capital to Helsinki in 1812; Helsinki was closer to St. Petersburg and much less under the influence of Sweden. In 1827 the Great Fire destroyed most of Turku. Also the university was moved to the new capital.
Turku is not just full of history but also a modern city with technology and industry. Turku concentrates on biotechnology and has one of Finland's leading research and development centers in the field. Especially pharmaceutical industry and functional food development are the strengths of Turku. Turku harbour has a shipyard and also serves as a passenger harbour for traffic between Finland and Stockholm, Sweden, like Helsinki harbour does.
Turku is also the home of one of the best Finnish athletes ever, the Flying Finn Paavo Nurmi (born in 1897) who during his career won 9 Olympic gold and 3 silver medals and held 23 world records. In the field of culture, a good example of the city's activities is the event called Down by the Laituri (i.e. the dock): a popular summer festival with several days filled with diverse cultural programme on the sunny banks of the River Aura.
