Loviisa - 250th Anniversary - Pearl of the Southern Coast of Finland 30.6.1995

Thank you my friend Pia for this pretty first day cover commemorating the 250^th Anniversary of Loviisa on 30.6.1995.  Loviisa, an idyllic old port town between Porvoo and Kotka, is less than an hour's drive east of Helsinki. The Swedish King Adolf Fredrik was very fond of the town and named it after his wife,Queen Lovisa Ulrika.

The coastal town of Loviisa has a rich history. The bilingual town has a remarkable main square surrounded by the 19th century stately stone houses and immediately next to the centre, you will find the old town districts with their wooden houses, gravel and cobblestone streets. On the western side, you will find the bold neo-gothic Church, while fortresses built in 18th century are on the eastern side. The sea stretches all the way to the town centre. The Laivasilta area is related to the sailing history of the region and is characterised by its red salt warehouses, making it a popular area for meetings and events during summers.

Loviisa offers a wide range of cultural sites, rich natural beauty and plenty of activities. Only a short distance from the Loviisa town centre, you can admire manors and craftsmen's workshops in the area of the Strömfors Iron Works. You can also learn about the interesting past of the area through historical buildings and fortresses. The pristine natural environment offers swimming, picnic areas, hiking and fishing as well as golf courses. The high-quality accommodations and a long list of cultural events optimise a guest's stay. The biggest events in Loviisa are the Open Gardens in Loviisa, the Rootsinpyhtaa Bluegrass & Rendezvous, the Liljendal Days, the King Comes to Loviisa, the Fascination of Roses, the Small Ships' Race, the Loviisa Sibelius Festival and the Historical Houses of Loviisa - Traditional Finnish Building and Renovation Days.