Hietaniemi Cemetery, Helsinki, Finland

The Hietaniemi cemetery is the location for Finnish state funeral services and most remarkable cemetery in Finland. The cemetery was placed to Hietaniemi in 1829. It was originally a military cemetery for the Finnish Guard, which was part of the Russian army.

The cemetery includes still a large military cemetery section for soldiers from the capital fallen in the wars against the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany: in the Winter War (1939–1940), the Continuation War (1941–1944) and the Lapland War (1944–1945). In the centre of the military cemetery are the tombs of the unknown soldier and Marshal C.G.E. Mannerheim. Other notable sections of the cemetery are the cemetery of the Finnish Guard, the Artist's Hill and the Statesman's Grove. For example six presidents of Finland are buried to Hietaniemi. In the Artist’s Hill rests many famous artists like Alvar Aalto, Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Mika Waltari.

The cemetery is a popular tourist attraction, especially amongst Finns visiting the graves of relatives fallen in wars or the graves of the many famous Finns buried there.

User Reviews

Missberry Mewza (4 months ago)
a serene place where one can enjoy solicitude

Tatjana Torkel (6 months ago)
"Ancient " cemetery park, calming walk is garanteed! Pros: Most of the Finnish selebrities and " big wings" are buried here. Wondeful location - city centure , close to sea and a park Cons The gravestones of the presidents ( Koivisto, Mr. Kekkonen, etc.) do not have flower beds. If the families for some reason cannot organize them, maybe the city of Helsinki could take on this wonderful responsibility?

Hossein Firooz (2 years ago)
Very peaceful... The path is also suitable for runnung/jogging.

David Davidson (3 years ago)
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SeSeikkailija (3 years ago)
Quiet and peaceful as a cemetery should be. This is a resting place for many famous Finns like presidents and artist

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The keep dates from the Christian era. It has a square base and small dimensions and is located at the highest part of the crag.

There are some other enclosures within the tower that create a small alcázar which is difficult to access.

In a lower area of the castle, protected with defensive remains of rammed earth and irregular masonry, is an old Muslim farmstead.

After a recent restoration, an open-air theater has been built on La Iruela castle enclosure. This theater is a tribute to the Greek and Classic Eras and holds various artistic and cultural shows throughout the year.

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The first traces of human activity in La Iruela area are dated from the Copper Age. An intense occupation continued until the Bronze Age.

Originally, La Iruela (like Cazorla) was a modest farmstead. From the 11th century, a wall and a small fortress were built on the hill to protect the farmers.

Around 1231, don Rodrigo Ximénez de Rada, Archbishop of Toledo, conquered La Iruela and made it part of the Adelantamiento de Cazorla. Over the Muslim fortress, the current fortress was built.

Once the military use of the fortress ended, it was used as cemetery.

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