Porvoon

Porvoo (Finnish: Porvoo; Swedish: Borgå) is a city and municipality in Finland, located in the Uusimaa region on the southern coast about 50 kilometers east of Helsinki along the Gulf of Finland. The Porvoo River runs through the town, shaping a well-preserved historic waterfront. The municipality has a population of around 50,000 people and comprises an historic old town as well as newer residential and industrial areas.

The old town (Vanha Porvoo) is renowned for its cobbled streets and rows of colorful wooden houses along the riverfront and is a major tourist draw. Notable landmarks include the Porvoo Cathedral (Porvoon tuomiokirkko), a Lutheran church that serves as the seat of the Diocese of Porvoo, and the Old Town Hall. The area houses several museums and cultural venues, including the home of Finland's national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, which is preserved as a museum.

Historically, Porvoo developed as a market town and port due to its position on the Porvoo River and Baltic Sea trade routes. In modern times the economy blends services, tourism, and industry, with the Neste Porvoo oil refinery as a major industrial site nearby.

Porvoo is connected by road to Helsinki via the E18 and is served by regional bus networks. The city hosts cultural events and maintains a range of educational and public services. It is known for its blend of historic ambience and contemporary life.