Raaseporin linna (Castle)

The first written mention of Raaseporin linna dates back to 1378, in documents by the Swedish Lord High Constable Bo Jonsson Grip. It is believed that the construction of the castle began around 1374 and that Grip was not only the owner but also the patron. The castle walls were built in several phases on a glaciated rock, encircling the granite castle in a horseshoe shape. In the 15th century, the large round tower was added. Raaseporin linna served as the seat of the Crown Bailiff, who was responsible for the administration of Finland's western south coast, and was an important trading post and defensive point for Swedish interests in trade with Reval. In the early 16th century, under King Gustav I Vasa, the castle was deemed obsolete, particularly regarding its defensive capabilities against firearms. Its functions were transferred to the newly founded cities of Tammisaari and Helsinki, and the castle was abandoned in 1553. After three centuries of decay, extensive renovation work began in the 1890s, lasting until 1988. A complete restoration was not carried out due to a lack of information about the castle's original structure, but floors, staircases, and galleries were restored and roofed.

The castle ruin of Raaseporin linna is located in Raseborg, in the Raseborg (Raasepori) district in the Uusimaa region, Finland. It stands at an elevation of approx. 5 m above sea level.

The ruins of Raaseporin linna are accessible to visitors and can be explored.

• Suomenlinna Fortress (Fortress), approx. 76.1 km away
• Kuusiston piispanlinna (Ruins), approx. 80.0 km away
• Turun linna (Castle), approx. 93.0 km away
• Hämeen linna (Castle), approx. 121.2 km away