Old Rauma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Rauma * |
|
|---|---|
| Criteria | Cultural: iv, v |
| Reference | 582 |
| Coordinates | 61°07′42″N 21°30′42″E / 61.12833°N 21.51167°E |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1991 (15th Session) |
|
|
Old Rauma (called Vanha Rauma in Finnish and Gamla Raumo in Swedish) is a unique old town in Rauma, Finland. It's famous for its beautiful wooden buildings. This special area is so important that UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as a place with great value to all of humanity.
Contents
Welcome to Old Rauma!
Old Rauma is a charming part of the city of Rauma in Finland. Imagine walking through streets where almost every building is made of wood! This historic area covers about 0.3 square kilometers. That's roughly the size of 40 football fields.
Inside Old Rauma, you'll find around 600 buildings. These include homes, shops, and smaller structures like sheds. About 800 people live here, making it a lively community.
What Makes Old Rauma Special?
Old Rauma is one of the best examples of an old Nordic wooden town. Its narrow, winding streets and unique architecture show how people lived and built towns centuries ago. It's like stepping back in time!
The town's design and the way its buildings are arranged tell a story. They show how a busy port town grew and changed over many years. This is why UNESCO decided to protect it as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
A Peek into History
The town of Rauma started to grow outside the Old Rauma area only in the early 1800s. Before that, the entire town was contained within what is now Old Rauma.
The oldest buildings you see today were built in the 1700s. You might wonder why they aren't even older. Sadly, two big fires destroyed much of the town in 1640 and 1682. After these fires, the people rebuilt their homes and shops, creating the beautiful wooden town we see today.
Life in Old Rauma Today
Most of the buildings in Old Rauma are still homes. They are owned by private families who live there. This keeps the area feeling like a real, living town, not just a museum.
The two main streets and the area around the town square are mostly used for businesses. Here, you can find small shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to explore and find unique souvenirs.
