Some time ago we climbed a hill to have a picnic
with a view. What a hill it was and what a view it offered!
There is a wooden staircase leading you to
the top. In late June, the hill was lavishly blooming all over. This alone
would have been reason enough to pay a visit.
Some of the plants flourishing on this hill are
rather uncommon in our country and can only be found on ancient dwelling sites
where livestock kept the growth of the native plants short protecting the
‘ancient newcomers’ or archaeophytes from disappearing. The above dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) (sikoangervo) is
one of those.
But the views down to the river Aura and
the surrounding fields were even more spectacular, at the same time soothing
and energising. I could have stayed there for hours admiring the panorama. With
the added effect of the blossoming around our feet the place felt heavenly.
In ancient times, the rock that is now largely
covered in a meadow was an islet from where the early settlers could keep an
eye on the traffic on the waterways around it. Later when the land masses had risen thanks
to the phenomenon known as post-glacial rebound and the sea slowly withdrew an
important road took shape nearby. This historical road is still winding through
the fields here.
Archaeological research has revealed there
was a castle on top of the rock from around the 6th to the 14th century.
The place is located in Lieto some
10km northeast from downtown Turku. There are no longer any structures left of
the fortifications but based on tradition the site is still called the Old Castle of Lieto.
There has been an estate by the name of Old
Caste at the foot of the hill at least from the early 15th century. The present
manor house dates from the 1930s. It is now owned by the University of Turku
and houses a museum with both permanent and changing exhibitions (closed on
Mondays). We didn’t see any of those yet as we made this first visit on the Midsummer
weekend when everything was closed, even the summer café located in one of the
former barns. (Should you ever plan a visit to Finland do remember to avoid
Midsummer unless you are invited to stay at a local.)
The Aura river valley is recognised as one
of the Finnish national landscapes. We will certainly return to the hilltop often
and are planning to hike the trail from downtown Turku following the banks of
the river to the Old Castle soon. If only this prolonged period of changeable chilly
weather would come to an end.
Here
you can see winter views from the hilltop.
