Finland: Helsinki

<BODY> <h2>Finland: Helsinki</h2><br> <h2>EUROPE</h2><br> <B>Associated Article</B>: <I>Apparition in the Woods: Rescuing Sibelius From Silence</I> -The New Yorker Magazine<BR> <B>Associated Article</B>: <I>Helsinki Warming</I> -Smithsonian Magazine<BR> Located in southern Finland, the capital city of Helsinki has one of the highest standard of livings in the world. Once an outpost of the Russian empire, it extends into the Finland Gulf and is a leading seaport and industrial city. Here we explore its Parliament Building, the workplace of the Finnish legislature, which stands near Toolonlahti Bay and Mannerheimintie, the main traffic artery. Next, the most photographed landmark in the city, the Lutheran Cathedral or Tuomiokirrko, which dominates the city's main square, Senaatintori. Constructed from 1830-1852, it was called the Church of St. Nicholas until the independence of Finland in 1917. Lastly, we tour Sibelius Monument and Park, dedicated to Finland's most notable composer Jean Sebelius, famous for his symphonies that evoke Finnish landscapes. 08DR IJSCA 30 min. <A HREF="index.htm" target=_top>Home</a><br> </BODY>