Seili Island
Varsinais-Suomi
Seili Island, located in the Archipelago Sea near Turku, Finland, spans approximately 1.6 square kilometers. Its name derives from the Swedish word Själö, meaning 'seal island,' reflecting its history as a habitat for seals. The island is ecologically protected and part of the nationally significant Airisto–Seili landscape area. Historically, Seili has a profound legacy as a site for a leprosy hospital established in 1619 by royal decree of King Gustavus Adolphus. It served as a quarantine and care center for leprosy patients, mentally ill, and chronically ill individuals, isolated from the mainland. The island's hospital buildings were primarily wooden and located on a smaller adjacent islet, now connected to the main island due to land uplift and sedimentation. The island also features a wooden church built in 1733, replacing an earlier structure destroyed during the Great Northern War. Today, Seili hosts nature services by Metsähallitus, a research institute under the University of Turku, and tourism enterprises, accessible by summer ferries. It remains a place of cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting visitors interested in its unique history and protected environment.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Seili Island is during the summer months when ferry services operate from Nauvo, Rymättylä, and Turku. Visitors are advised to book ferry tickets in advance due to limited capacity. The island has several guest boat docks for private visitors. There are no concrete ticket prices mentioned, but discounts may be available through local tourism operators. Prepare for walking tours to explore the natural and historical sites, and respect the protected nature areas.
Faits intéressants
- •The name 'Seili' is derived from the Swedish 'Själö', meaning 'seal island', indicating the island was historically a seal habitat.
- •The island served as a leprosy hospital from 1619, isolating patients from mainland Finland.
- •The wooden church on Seili was rebuilt in 1733 and still stands today.
- •During the Great Northern War (1713–1721), hospital buildings deteriorated and were partly restored afterwards.
- •Local lore suggests the Finnish word for being drunk, 'seilissä', originates from sailors drinking illicit alcohol made by patients on Seili.
Histoire
Seili Island was formed by the merging of several smaller islands due to post-glacial land uplift about 5000 years ago.
From at least the 1500s, it was under Swedish crown control and had a farm known as Fogdeby.
In 1619, King Gustavus Adolphus ordered the establishment of a leprosy hospital on the island to isolate patients from Turku.
The hospital received patients from the St.
George's Hospital in Turku, whose buildings had been destroyed for infection control.
The wooden church on the island was rebuilt in 1733 after damage during the Great Northern War.
Over time, the number of leprosy patients declined, and from the mid-18th century, the island mainly housed mentally ill patients.
The last leprosy patient died in 1785.
Guide du lieu
Leprosy Hospital Site17th century
The former leprosy hospital was originally located on a small islet east of the main island, separated by a narrow strait. It included four residential buildings, a bakery, and a sauna. Though the wooden structures no longer stand, their stone foundations remain visible. The site reflects the island's role as a quarantine center in the 17th century.
Seili Church1733
Built in 1733, the wooden Seili Church replaced the earlier church destroyed during the Great Northern War. It stands as a historical landmark on the island, symbolizing the island community that lived and worked there during the hospital era.
Natural Protected Areas
Seili is part of the Airisto–Seili nationally valuable landscape area, with protected natural habitats. The island's flora and fauna are carefully preserved, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.