UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) prepared the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. While a mouthful to say, the convention is now one of our most esteemed international agreements and has been ratified by some 185 nations.
Identification for cultural heritage means a site is a masterpiece of human creativity or it reflects rich evidence of an existing or extinct culture. A natural heritage site can either be a haven for endangered species or reflect exceptionally beautiful scenery.
Finland's World Heritage
Finland ratified the Convention in 1987. The first Finnish site (the sea Fortress of Suomenlinna) was added to the list in 1991. Since then, six other sites have joined that company. Here is a short look at four Finnish treasures.
Verla Groundwood and Board Mill
This is a unique industrial complex that dates back to the earliest years of the Finnish forestry industry. First built in 1872, the paper mill was an entirely self-contained industrial operation. Logs would arrive, having floated through central waterways, to be hauled to the factory. Once inside, chopping, de-barking, grinding, soaking, pressing, trimming and drying steps were carried out on machines built specifically for each task.
The mill gave rise to a small community and remains one of the few well-preserved examples of small-scale rural industry that thrived in northern Europe and North America in the 19th century. The site was inscribed unto the World Heritage List in 1996.
Old Rauma
A typical Scandinavian wood-built town, Old Rauma sits on Finland's west coast. A 29-hectare area in the historical center of the modern city of Rauma comprises Old Rauma. The narrow streets, left from the Middle Ages origin of the small sea-side settlement, wander past homes, shops, cafés and other small businesses. It is not a tourist area, though. Old Rauma retains its particular charm. The Market Square and Holy Cross Church (built in the 15th century) are among the highlights of Old Rauma.
Today, more than 600 buildings and 800 inhabitants keep the authenticity of this centuries-old village alive. Old Rauma was incribed onto the World Heritage List in 1991.
Sammallahdenmaki Bronze Age Burial Site
The burial cairns of Sammallahdenmaki are a unique whole that represent the religious and funerary habits of Finland's Bronze Age (1500-50 BC) culture. That culture introduced new practices to honor their dead. Bodies were buried in stone cairns built along the sea. Recent research reveals that some remains were cremated before burial ceremonies.
The archaeological site of Sammallahdenmaki in western Finland is exceptionally well preserved and was inscribed by UNESCO onto the World Heritage List in 1999.
Fortress of Suomenlinna
Built in 1748 as part of the Swedish defense against Russia, the fortress has also served as a Russian garrison town, a Finnish submarine base, and a prisoner of war compound. The irregular bastion is built across a maze of small islands just off the coast south of Helsinki.
The fortress is also a village with nearly 1000 inhabitants who offer services to the approximately 650,000 visitors annually. The Fortress of Suomenlinna is Finland's first World Heritage site, having been inscribed to the list in 1991.
James Sajo - Jim Sajo is a freelance writer living in Northern Italy. Follow him on Facebook at Jim Sajo The Writer.
