2002 FINLAND

RAUMA OLD TOWN

Rauma

Rauma, a town of 38,000 inhabitants in the province of Satakunta by the Gulf of Bothnia, is celebrating its 560th anniversary in 2002. The old town hall of Rauma is the largest uniform wooden town area in the Nordic Countries. This area of 28 hectares consists of about six hundred buildings. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO added Old Rauma to its World Heritage List in 1991.

Old Rauma

Old Rauma is still full of life. The area houses approximately 800 inhabitants and nearly 200 shops. The old town encircles the lively and colourful market place that still is the heart of the entire town. Many significant attractions are situated in the historic area, such as the Church of the Holy Cross, dating back to the 15th century, and the Rauma Museum which operates in the old town hall built in 1776. The speciality of the museum is a collection of 600 lace types. Both buildings are depicted in the miniature sheet.

Lace of Rauma

Besides the old wooden town area, lace is also a traditional symbol and glory of Rauma. The early history of the lace of Rauma is not known but as early as in the 18th century this elegant lace was internationally known and lace-making had become a common trade in Rauma. Today the town cherishes its reputation as a town of lace by organising the Lace Week and the Black Lace Night in July.
Rauma is also famous in Finland for its peculiar dialect.