Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace on Helsinki's Market Square is the official representational residence of the Finnish president and one of the leading examples of the Helsinki Empire style. Built in 1813-1820 by architect Pehr Granstedt as the private home of merchant Johan Henrik Heidenstrauch, it was remodelled in 1843 by Carl Ludwig Engel in neoclassical style for use as the Russian imperial residence. Tsar Alexander II stayed here several times. After Finnish independence in 1917 it became the seat of the president; today it hosts the annual Independence Day gala, the social event of the Finnish year. The building is open only for special occasions but is easy to admire from outside - the yellow facade with white columned front fits perfectly with the neighbouring Market Square and Uspenski Cathedral by the harbour.