Wiurila Mansion

Wiurila Mansion (Finnish: Wiurilan kartano: Swedish: Wiurila gård) is a historic manor estate located in Halikko, in Salo in southern Finland. The estate is recognised as one of the most significant manor houses in Finland and has been associated with the Armfelt family since 1787. Nowadays the manor is owned by the Aminoff family.^[1][2][3][4]

Wiurila Mansion. Architect Charles (Carlo) Bassi.

Wiurila Mansion remains under the ownership of the Armfelt family's descendants, currently managed by Baron Alexander Aminoff.^[2][5]

History

Wiurila Mansion.

The earliest known reference to Wiurila dates back to the 15th century, when it was owned by Magnus Johansson till Wiorela. The estate was inherited through several generations, often passing from mother to daughter, until it was acquired by Baron Magnus Wilhelm Armfelt in 1787, who also owned Joensuu Manor. Baron August Philip Armfelt decided to construct a new main building in the early 19th-century. The main building, a two-story neoclassical stone mansion, was designed by Italian-Finnish architect Charles (Carlo) Bassi and completed in 1811. Subsequent additions included the agricultural and domestic wings, with the facade designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel between 1835 and 1840.^[1][2][6]

Historically, Wiurila functioned as a self-sufficient estate, operating its own brick factory, sawmill, brewery, and other enterprises. At its largest, the estate encompassed 48,000 hectares, though today it covers approximately 150 hectares.^[1][2]

Architecture

Economic buildings. Architect Carl Ludvig Engel.

Wiurila Mansion is noted for its neoclassical architecture. The main building, designed by Carlo Bassi, features a symmetrical facade and classical detailing. The agricultural wing and other outbuildings, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, complement the main structure and contribute to the estate's architectural significance.^[1][2][7]

Design

Economic buildings.

Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte of Sweden and the Finnish furniture company Made by Choice designed the Wiurila chair for the manor's banqueting hall.^[6]

Museums and collections

The estate houses two museums:

The home museum displays artifacts, costumes, furniture, and everyday items related to the Armfelt family and manor life from the 19th century onward.^[8]

The horse carriage museum features a collection of vehicles, ranging from pony carts to grand carriages, with examples dating back to the 18th century. The carriage museum houses carriages that were used by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.^[8][9]

Cultural and recreational activities

Wiurila hosts the largest contemporary art exhibition in Southwest Finland, known as the Wiurila Summer Biennial, as well as regular art exhibitions and cultural events. The Wiurila Summer Biennial is the largest contemporary art exhibition in Southwest Finland.^[10]

The estate's grounds include extensive parkland, rose gardens, and views over the sea and Halikonlahti bay, an area noted for its birdlife. Recreational facilities include an 18-hole golf course, horse stables, and opportunities for hiking.^[11][12]

The manor offers guesthouse accommodation and operates a restaurant. Wiurila serves as a venue for celebrations, conferences, and private events, utilizing its historic facilities and scenic surroundings.^[13][14]

The estate is open to the public, offering a combination of historical, cultural, and leisure experiences.^[15]