Completed in 1818, The Presidential Palace (Presidentinlinna) was originally a residence designed by Pehr Granstedt for a wealthy Finnish merchant. In 1837 it was purchased by the state and became the official Finnish residence of Tzar Nicholas I of Russia (Who was also the Grand Duke of Finland). One wonders whether the original owner had any choice in the matter. The existing building was remodeled under the direction of Carl Ludvig Engel, designer of Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. For a time it was the official residence of the president but now houses the office of the president.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.