precious-postcards

Old Rauma

Situated on the Gulf of Botnia, Rauma is one of the oldest harbours in Finland. Built around a Franciscan monastery, where the mid-15th-century Holy Cross Church still stands, it is an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood. Although ravaged by fire in the late 17th century, it has preserved its ancient vernacular architectural heritage.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/582

Old Rauma is an outstanding example of a traditional Nordic city constructed in wood. The town was built in the 15th century around a Franciscan monastery. It is a harbour town at the Gulf of Bothnia.

There are about 600 original wooden houses left. The oldest date from the 18th century when Rauma was rebuilt after a ravaging fire. Most of them though are from the 1890s, as a result of prosperity brought on by seafaring. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/oldrauma.html