Parks & gardens
old Great Square
Overview
The Old Great Square is a historical market square situated near the Aura River in Turku. Until the Great Fire, it served as the city's administrative and commercial center. Today, the area provides a quiet public space bordered by restored historical architecture and paved walking paths, making it a practical stop for travellers interested in regional urban history.
Getting There
From central Turku, the square is reachable on foot in approximately 10 to 15 minutes walking east along the river. Local city buses also run frequently to the cathedral area, leaving a walk of only a couple of minutes to the site.
Time to Allow
Plan to spend 20 to 45 minutes to view the historic building facades, walk through the open space, and observe the surrounding architecture.
When to Go
Daylight hours from late spring through early autumn offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor walking. The grounds are typically calm and uncrowded on standard weekdays, though foot traffic increases during seasonal festivals and outdoor markets.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location, the site can easily be combined with several nearby points of interest:
- Aboa Vetus Ars Nova (0.2km) – Museum focusing on archaeology and contemporary art.
- Turku Cathedral (0.2km) – Medieval cathedral located directly across the street.
- Vartiovuori Observatory (0.2km) – Historical observatory building situated on the hill.
- Vartiovuorenmäki (0.3km) – Elevated park area suitable for walking.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
GetYourGuide
Klook
Tiqets
KKday
WeGoTrip
Booking.com
Hotels.com
