The Governing Body of Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Finland. It is owned by the State and administered by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is the agency that manages, restores and maintains the fortress.

The status of the Governing Body of Suomenlinna as the official representative of the fortress is based on the Administration of Suomenlinna Act. The national heritage managed by the Governing Body encompasses more than 200 buildings and over 80 hectares of land on seven islands.

The Suomenlinna fortress was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 as an example of European fortress architecture. As the host of a World Heritage site, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna is responsible for preserving the monument and associated historical and architectural values for future generations. The World Heritage Convention obliges the Finnish government to maintain the military-historical character of the fortress.

The Department for Cultural, Sport and Youth Policy of the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, the National Commission for UNESCO and the National Board of Antiquities are responsible for the Finnish World Heritage Sites. Click here for further details of World Heritage.

The logo of the Governing Body of Suomenlinna is an arch, depicting the basic mission of the Governing Body to restore and maintain the monument.
Besides the official logo, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna administers use of the Suomenlinna logo consisting of a crown surrounded by a wavy fess, a traditional symbol of power. This logo is used on signposts, brochures and materials of the cultural programme supported by the Governing Body of Suomenlinna.