Eira

For other uses, see Eira (disambiguation).

Eira is a neighborhood in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Eira Eira
Helsinki Subdivision
Position of Eira within Helsinki
Country	Finland
Region	Uusimaa
Sub-region	Greater Helsinki
Municipality	Helsinki
District	Southern
Subdivision regions	none
Area [1]	0.19 km2 (0.07 sq mi)
Population  (2004)	1,046
• Density	6,153/km2 (15,940/sq mi)
Postal codes	00150
Subdivision number	06
Neighbouring subdivisions	Länsisatama Punavuori Ullanlinna

History

The district dates back to the early 20th century and received its name after Eira Hospital in the neighboring district of Ullanlinna, which in turn took its name from Eira Hospital in Stockholm, which was named after Eir, the old Scandinavian goddess of healing.

A villa and the church of Mikael Agricola in Eira

Eira is located south from the city centre. The neighbourhood has some of the most expensive and sought-after old apartments in Helsinki, built in jugend style. Many foreign embassies and high-class restaurants are situated in Eira and the neighbouring district of Kaivopuisto.

Eira also appears in the movie Calamari Union directed by Aki Kaurismäki. In the movie the area of Eira symbolizes wealth and well-being, which the characters are trying to achieve by moving from Kallio to Eira.^[2]

Notable residents

• Jussi Halla-aho (born 1971), Finnish politician^[3]