The new book Rauma : arkkitehtuuriopas – architectural guide by the representative of Bryggman institute, Mikko Laaksonen has been published on 9th June 2025. Laaksonen will guide in Rauma in June and July in three periods 26th to 28th June, 12th to 13th July and 28th to 30th July.
The architecture guide presents the significant architectural landmarks of Rauma. In addition to Kirsti, Marela, Pinnala, Tammela, and the Town Hall, numerous other examples from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Rauma are presented. Rauma also boasts impressive modern architecture, such as the state office building, the main library, and the Kari campus. The guide comprehensively and clearly describes the standardised house areas and housing construction in Rauma by district. It also covers the maritime area of Rauma as well as the rural architecture of Rauma's countryside, Lappi, and Kodisjoki. The book is the eleventh one by Laaksonen on local history and architecture.
The book can be purchased within Finland from the book shop of the writer.
https://holvi.com/shop/MikkoLaaksonen/
In other cases, please contact by email.
Old Rauma : architectural guidance
Sat 12th July 2 – 4 PM
Mon 27th July 6 – 8 PM
Start: Raatihuoneentori, Kauppakatu 13
The guidance presents Old Rauma from point of view of architecture.
The historical town of Rauma has not burnt down since 1682 and the restructuring plans were not implemented as unrealistic. The log frames of the buildings are often from 18th and 19th centuries, but the current form is from rebuildings in the turn of 19th to 20th century. How does Old Rauma compare to other Nordic wooden towns? How the buildings have been altered in restorations in recent decades and how do the infill buildings look?
III district : architectural guidance
Thu 26th June 6 – 8 PM
Tue 29th July 1 – 3 PM
Start at Männistö kiosk, Syväraumankatu 1
The third district of Rauma, to the north of the railway is like a picture book of Finnish architecture. The construction of the area started with wooden houses for workers and classicist type houses. Type houses were constructed for Lönnström companies, and during the post-war shortages several two-storey wooden buildings were built. The state Arava funds were used to build high-rises along Syväraumankatu, for the well-off terraced house were provided.
Architectural guidance: town centre, teacher seminary and Kanali banks
Friday 27th June 3 – 5 PM
Sunday 13th July 1 – 3 PM
Start Rauma town hall, Kanalinranta 3
The tour presents the architecture of the town centre, teacher seminary and Kanali banks, both public buildings, commercial buildings and residential houses.
The new town centre of Rauma was built from the beginning of 20th century with the tower of the Voluntary Fire brigade as the landmark. Valtakulma by Erkki Huttunen was the first functionalist co-operative store in the country. The teacher seminary was located at Rauma at the end of 19th century, its school buildings are from different times. The second district includes also high-rises by Keijo Valli and Eero Kari. We will return via the Kanali banks beside the state office building and library.
Architectural guidance: Onnela, Nummi, Asevelikylä and Polari
La 28.6 klo 13-15
ke 30.7 klo 13 – 15
Start southern side of Kalatori
To the south of Old Rauma there is a large zone of worker´s housing. Onnela and Nummi are wooden house areas, Asevelikylä and Polari have type houses and high-rises.
Onnela was built to the south of Old Rauma along a regular grid plan. Nummi is a newer concept: type houses for workers, with the houses tailored for the builders as a matter of course. Asevelikylä has veterans houses. Between it and Polari are Töyryntie and Nummenvahe high-rises and Hirsikatu atrium houses.
Info:
Booking: https://holvi.com/shop/MikkoLaaksonen/section/opastukset-guidances/
2 hour walking tour. Clothing according to weather and good shoes.
In English upon request.
Guide author Mikko Laaksonen
Prices: cash or mobilepay
10 e basic price 5 e under 18 years, student, unemployed, pensioner, 7,5 e advance ticket
35 e Rauma : arkkitehtuuriopas – architectural guide, each purchase equals free ticket
