Pori History, Finland

John, the Duke of Finland, established Pori during 1558 at the Kokemaenjoki River’s mouth. The river’s foreign-trade posts were then moved to Pori from Ulvila and the city imported exotic delicacies including fine wines, fabrics and spices. After this successful beginning, the worse part of the city began in 17th century when the entire kingdom of Swedish got wracked due to famine and war. Pori restored its foreign trade rights in 1765 after which a new port was found at Reposaari.

During 1809, the nation became a part of the Russian empire but no great changes were made in Pori. During 1840s, Pori became the foremost shipping town of Finland due to its developing merchant fleet. But after a few years, the city witnessed a series of unfortunate accidents including great fire in 1852 which brought disaster to the town. The whole city was made to ashes in a single day. The city’s growth began again in 1870s and its major industrial backbone became its sawmills. It exported the products of its sawmill industry due to which the ports were kept busy. The railway connecting Tampere and Pori was finished in 1895 and the city’s population reached around 12,000.

Around the early years of the 20th century, the city became an active cultural centre and the national theatre of Finnish language gave its earliest public performance. A museum and a library were established, many newspapers were started and Swedish and Finnish grammar schools, a worker’s institute and vocational schools were set up in the city.

Finland got its independence in the year 1917 and Pori became a fast growing and significant city of ports and heavy industry. The city also won its name in sports and the new era started for the students. The centers of education in Pori taught technology, humanities and business and the Satakunta Polytechnic became the national centre for excellence.

The upheaval in the industry of Pori started during the 1970s and continues till date. The city’s major features are displayed in the Pori National Municipal Park. These features include the fast-flowing river delta of Kokemaenjoki, its cultural and industrial history and also the living present. The environmental management of the city has made it a superb space for the recreational pursuits. If you are a bird watching enthusiast, then the delta will give you a real treat of its own kind. After 450 years of its foundation, the city is proud to have such a long history.

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