Manor Castle passes for national home
Memorial volume and history of the manor castle of Louhisaari published for anniversary
|
|
|
By Irma Stenbäck
The portal over the main door is the only ornament decorating the façade of the Louhisaari Manor Castle. The sandstone portal captures the visitor's gaze on the barren courtyard.
The text on the portal summarises the history of both Louhisaari and of Finland, having survived between two competitive neighbours: Invidiam oblivione ulcisere Anno Christi 1655 - "Avenge wrong by forgetting. The year of Christ 1655."
This text is believed to be the motto of Herman Fleming - the builder of the castle, baron, admiral, and Governor-General of Finland. Not bad advice.
The memorial volume is a grand, ambitious, illustrated history of the world of the nobility, ownership, colonial politics, style and architecture.
Although the authors of the book include highly acclaimed historians and members of the National Board of Antiquities and Historical Monuments, it can be understood by laymen as well.
Louhisaaren kartano also tells about the rise of the old Finnish noble family, the Flemings, when Sweden was a major power.
The memorial volume is a scientific study on the building of Louhisaari, including new findings and theories. Dendrochronological and geological research techniques were used to determine the age of the various buildings.
The book begins in the early Middle Ages, describing Louhisaari in detail from the time of the Flemings until the ownership of the Mannerheims in the 19th century.
The manor house included vast grounds and a garden. In the late 17th century Louhisaari had a cherry orchard, and somewhat later, home-grown asparagus. A seaside spa was built by the Mannerheims.
The memorial volume of the manor castle ends with the crowds of tourists that descend on it in the 21st century. Louhisaari is much more than Mannerheim's birthplace. Not visiting Louhisaari in Asikainen means missing much of Finnish residential history.
This can be remedied by admiring the colourful illustrations of the memorial volume, but the only way to experience the spirit of the time is to go there yourself.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 3.6.2005
More on this subject:
 Childhood home of CGE Mannerheim offers glimpse into history of Finnish nobility
FACTFILE: Cultural heritage for all senses with EU support
IRMA STENBÄCK / Helsingin Sanomat
irma.stenback@hs.fi
|
|
