Nr 6 Vallis Gratiae – Nådens dal – Naantali

In 1438, by decision of the Privy Council of Sweden, a Bridgettine convent was founded in Finland. The convent was named Vallis Gratiae, or Valley of Grace in English, Nådens dal in Swedish. The convent was first founded in Karinkylä in Masku, but the location was not well suited. The Ailonen farm in Raisio was donated to the convent, and the king confirmed the new location on 23 August 1443. The church and other convent buildings were constructed on Ailostenniemi, surrounded by the sea. The convent was consecrated in 1462. Construction of the convent was completed by the end of the century.

The town of Naantali sprung up around the convent. The town developed and grew under the auspices of the convent and its trade privileges. However, the convent’s golden age was short lived. The property of the Church and convents was confiscated by the crown during the Reformation, and their activity gradually declined in the late 1500s. The only building remaining of the convent is the abbey, which now acts as a parish church.

With the end of the convent, life in Naantali slowed and the town was left struggling for its existence. During the time of the convent, Naantali had become a significant centre of sock making, where multiple generations collaborated to knit linen socks for export. Sock making remained one of the town’s most important industries for almost three hundred years.

Naantali entered another period of prosperity in 1863 with the construction of a new spa. The town grew in the late 1800s; new buildings were constructed, and Naantali cemented its position as a popular summer destination. Naantali Spa’s business fell into decline after the First World War.

The town’s third golden age began after the Second World War. Thanks to its excellent, deep harbour, Naantali was chosen as the location for the state’s fuel depot. The deep-water route leading to the port also attracted industry, making the 1950s a time of industrial expansion.

Caption 1: Saint Bridget (1303–1373) was a Swedish noblewoman who received revelations from God instructing her to found a religious community. Naantali’s Bridgettine convent was not founded until after the death of Saint Bridget.

Caption 2: Spa guests were members of the gentry. Naantali came to life at the start of the summer season with the arrival of spa guests.