Nr 1 Naantali is an old resort and spa town

The town of Naantali was founded near a Bridgettine convent in 1443. The convent attracted a variety of pilgrims and other travellers. Local residents, in turn, provided these travellers with food and accommodation. Following the Reformation, the convent closed its doors, and the steady stream of travellers stopped.

Naantali entered a new phase in its history in the 1700s, when the water of the Viluluoto Spring was found to promote good health. The spa business began properly in 1837, when the town started offering travellers clay baths.

In the 1860’s, the spa was moved from Viluluoto to the town centre. The idyllic town, the port bustling with steamships and the wide variety of spa treatments gave Naantali a reputation as a first-class summer destination. In addition to the Finnish gentry, guests also included a significant number of Russian civil servants and military officers.

People visited the spa to look after their health, relax and socialise. The town was visited by bands and orchestras, as well as prima donnas from Russian and German opera companies. Balls were often the highlight of guests’ visits. The spa town’s golden age came to an end with the First World War.

The period following the Second World War was one of industrial and economic development for Naantali. Foreign industry professionals gave the town an international quality.

A new chapter in Naantali’s history as a famous spa town began in 1984, when the new Naantali Spa & Hotel was completed in Kalevanniemi. Naantali became an international travel destination in 1993 when Moomin World opened on the island of Kailo.

Caption 1: Spa buildings seen from the sea. Naantali Church, the only part of the medieval Bridgettine convent left standing, can be seen in the background. 

Caption 2: Steamship Vehmassalmi moored at Kultaranta.