Olavinlinna Castle

Robert Frank, 57, from East Coast USA, wrote:

I own 2 paintings, one of which is of the castle. Both are by the same artist. There is no other civilization around the castle. No town, village, huts, etc. The slope on the SE has been Clear-Cut, as though timber was needed for construction. Several people have said they think they were painted alone the completion of the castle. I don't know. They have been in my family for many generations. Am interested in obtaining more history of the castle, and obtain more area pictures of Savonlinna. Particularly views from the North and Northeast as I think the artist was facing South when he painted it. There is a small island in the foreground that I have yet seen in any present day pictures of the city. I can only guess that the castle is about 1/3 mile away in the painting. If anyone can shed some light on this it would be appreciated.

Mikko Pikarinen. 31, from Helsinki, Finland, wrote:

When I was a kid, I lived about 80km east from this castle and visited it some times. Last summer I went there again and took some pictures.

Brandy Toth, 21, from canada wrote:

This is the only castle I've ever seen but I found it absolutely fascinating! It is set out on an island which makes a beautiful setting for such a castle. It was July when I visited and I couldn't get over how cool and drafty the stone building was...how could they have ever managed during the winter! One of the most interesting aspects of the castle is the legend about a young woman who was encapsulated within the walls of the structure. The stories vary as to why she was put there (as a punishment for cohorting with the enemy soldiers outside the walls or as a protective measure to protect her from the soldiers) but regardless of the reason, she was closed in and died and remains there today. A small shrubby tree sprouted from that spot in the wall and it blooms with red and white petals and berries which are said to represent her youth (white) and her death (red). Sadly, the shrub was broken off in a violent storm in the mid-90's. The castle is still used today for Finland's annual international opera festival. (What a beautiful setting for such an event!) This castle is definitely worth a look as it has a very interesting and rich past.

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