Porvoo / Finland

Founded nearly 800 years ago, located about 50 kilometres east from Helsinki, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of its long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. For centuries, the city has served as both a home and a source of inspiration for many Finnish artists. also, old Porvoo is one the most picturesque places in Finland and also inspires photographers around the world. Even though Porvoo is not exactly a coastal town, it is connected to the Gulf of Finland via the Porvoo River. The river flows through the city, passing Porvoo’s most well-known landmarks: its red shore houses. Originally, the shore houses were painted red in honor of the arrival of Gustav III, the king of Sweden and they were once used to store merchandise and exotic delicacies from distant lands.

I arrived in this small town on a cold day of excursion from Helsinki. Carried away by taking trains from the Finland’s southern capital, Porvoo turned out to be one of my destinations. It was a very cold and dark day in mid-January, the snow had not yet reached the cities and just as I arrived in Porvoo a snowstorm started. Everything was covered in a white blanket in less than an hour, it was impressive and beautiful, as well as totally problematic to be able to take pictures. It was very windy and snow fell from all directions. Also, it was so cold that my battery was affected, thank goodness that I was traveling with several. Despite everything, I took a lot of photos, but my favorite selection is this.​​​​​​​

I will also remember the moment when I entered a small and cozy art store called Nellys Art & Craft Shop, I bought some beautiful engravings there and had a pleasant conversation with a native women, I think she probably thought "this girl is going to be the only tourist of the day in this little old town on a day like today”.