In southwestern Finland, the city of Turku holds some grand historic structures, including a castle that counts itself among the nation’s oldest buildings. An episode of Monocle Radio’s The Urbanist explores the history of Turku Castle, from its beginnings in the 1280s to its later life as a museum.

Construction began when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden, and the castle grew from a small, partly wooden fortress into a formidable stone castle and, in the 16th century, a grand Renaissance residence.

The castle later found itself at the centre of European power struggles when Duke John, later King John III of Sweden, brought his new wife, Catherine Jagiellon of Poland, to Turku. John’s older brother, King Eric XIV of Sweden, grew suspicious of his alliance with Poland and, in 1563, sent troops to besiege Turku Castle. After heavy bombardment, John and Catherine surrendered and were imprisoned. Five years later, the tables turned: John led a successful rebellion against Eric, deposed him and brought him to Turku Castle as a prisoner in 1570.

In 1614, a fire broke out in the kitchen while King Gustav II Adolf was visiting the castle, destroying much of the interiors. The castle subsequently served as a storehouse and barracks, while its outer bailey was converted into a prison in the 19th century. The main castle was severely damaged during bombings in 1941, and restoration work was completed in 1961. Today, Turku Castle operates as a museum and remains one of the city’s major historical landmarks.