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The Photo Record is an archive of digitally restored historic photographs from Finland and beyond.

Naantali: Posing by the Pier

Naantali: Posing by the Pier

In the late 19th century, Naantali was known both for its long history and its reputation as a spa town. Visitors came to the archipelago for health treatments, while the town itself continued to centre around its wooden houses, shoreline, and the prominent medieval church. The church remained a defining feature of the town, linking centuries of tradition with newer growth.

The wooden houses and piers along the waterfront show the practical layout of a coastal Finnish town. Naantali’s setting by the sea shaped the way the community was built, with structures extending close to the water and the church standing higher in the background.

This historic sepia-toned photograph shows a group of men and boys sitting on benches near the pier in Naantali. Behind them are rows of wooden houses and boathouses, while the large medieval church rises above the town. The image captures a clear view of Naantali’s shoreline and its landmark church.

Original Photograph

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Digitally Restored Photograph

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Photo Information

Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: Unknown
Year: 1890

Link to original photo here


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Turku: View from Observatory Hill

Turku: View from Observatory Hill