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The Raseborg Castle, the castle on the rock, from the west side. The oldest parts of the castle date from the 13th century, and was probably founded in 1374. The castle was of great strategic importance in the 15th century, when it protected the town of Tuna, an important trading place in southern Finland. When castle construction began, the castle was surrounded by water. |
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Just inside the entrance to Raseborg Castle, the inner chambers to the left, the outer courtyard to the right. The importance of the castle declined in the mid-1500s, and the castle was left empty for over 300 years. |
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The wall and entrances to the inner chambers of Raseborg Castle. |
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The second level of the outer wall of Raseborg Castle. |
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The second level of the main chamber of Raseborg Castle. |
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The walkway around the third level of the main chamber of Raseborg Castle. |
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A room in the circular tower of Raseborg Castle. |
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The outer courtyard looking towards the main chamber area of Raseborg Castle. |
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Raseborg Castle at Raasepori, near Snappertuna. It was of great strategic importance from the 1400's to the mid 1500's. Tuna, as it was called then, was an important trading city in southern Finland, and the castle provided protection. From about 1361 until the 1550s, the castle was near a major trading route, and large amounts of tax paid in goods passed this area. Imports into Finland consisted of salt, grain, spices, fabrics and wine. In the 1550s, King Gustavus Vasa transferred power and authority from this castle to the newly founded towns of Tammisaari and Helsinki. |