A New Era for Alvar Aalto Tourism: The Church of the Three Crosses Set to Welcome Visitors
This May and June, Imatra’s iconic Church of the Three Crosses, a prominent destination on the Alvar Aalto travel route, will officially reopen its doors to tourists.
Alvar Aalto’s architectural masterpieces attract visitors both locally and from afar, thanks to a meticulously curated travel route that showcases significant sites connected to the famed Finnish architect. This initiative is the result of extensive collaboration with tourism operators across various Aalto-associated cities and regions.
Despite the disruptions brought about by the pandemic, Aalto’s landmarks have managed to serve small groups safely. Many services have pivoted online, offering virtual tours and events. The ongoing development of the Visit Alvar Aalto online platform aims to enhance the user experience, broadening the range of destination information and language options available to visitors.
Strengthening Ties: Aalto Cities Unite in Tourism
Since its establishment in 2017, the network of Aalto cities has been committed to revitalizing local economies through tourism. The collaborative efforts have proven fruitful, increasing the visibility of tourist areas and drawing more visitors.
Nora Kiili, a key producer from the Alvar Aalto Foundation, noted, “When international travel waned last summer, domestic tourists flocked to Aalto’s sites. Our long-term collaboration and national marketing efforts are now paying off. It’s become increasingly convenient for tourists to discover all Aalto destinations and their accompanying services through a single online address.”
As the Alvar Aalto Foundation and its partner cities embark on a new chapter, the recently formed Aalto Architecture and Design Heritage Tourism Route Association is taking shape. Founded in July 2020, this association aims to bolster the visibility and accessibility of Aalto-designed sites.
“Membership is open to all public destinations and service providers,” said Heli Leinonkoski, chairman of the cultural route association. Tommi Lindh, CEO of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, reminded us, “All proposed Aalto World Heritage sites fall under this tourism route as well.”
Under the aegis of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, this initiative represents Finland’s first involvement in the Council of Europe’s cultural routes program. Extending across five countries—Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy, and France—the Alvar Aalto Route encompasses over 60 architectural sites and promises further expansion. The application process for cultural route certification is set to advance in spring 2021, building upon the existing cultural routes already recognized by the Council of Europe.
The Church of the Three Crosses: Awaiting Renovation
Last summer, the Church of the Three Crosses experienced a surprising uptick in tourist visits, despite being closed for regular services due to indoor air quality concerns. Property manager Jari Nousiainen has announced plans to reopen the church to visitors this upcoming May-June, with specific hours to be shared closer to summer.
Currently, renovation plans for the church are in the works, pending necessary funding. The future looks optimistic, as the Finnish Museum Agency proposes the church as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within a group of 13 significant Aalto locations.
Cultural Routes: Connecting Heritage and Tourism
The Council of Europe’s cultural routes celebrate the rich tapestry of European heritage, encompassing architecture, gastronomy, and more, across various regions such as the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. To date, 38 routes have received certification.
Tommi Lindh explains, “Aalto’s architectural legacy embodies modern art and design, linking key sites of this internationally renowned figure.” He emphasizes that achieving cultural route status would not only elevate the global recognition of Aalto’s work but also enhance its role in European cultural heritage.
For a route to qualify, it must connect at least three countries while promoting sustainable cultural development and tourism. Anne Mattero, a senior official from the Ministry of Education and Culture, underlined the significance of presenting Finnish culture through the lens of international cultural routes, highlighting opportunities for enriching cultural tourism.
In 2018, Finland officially joined the Council of Europe’s extended partial agreement on cultural routes, reinforcing its commitment to cultural collaboration.
Launched in May 2018 during the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Visit Alvar Aalto online service now caters to a diverse audience, offering information in Finnish, English, Russian, German, and Japanese. Support from the Ministry of Education and Culture has further bolstered this valuable resource for tourists.
For more information about the Alvar Aalto travel route and the online services, visit Visit Alvar Aalto.
Additional Resources
- Watch the Routes4U video and find other materials at Routes4U Project.
- Explore the Council of Europe’s cultural routes at Council of Europe Cultural Routes.
For further inquiries, reach out to:
- Tommi Lindh, CEO, Alvar Aalto Foundation, Phone: 044 562 1625, Email: tommi.lindh@alvaraalto.fi
- Heli Leinonkoski, Chairman of the Cultural Route Association, City of Jyväskylä, Phone: 050 365 4287, Email: heli.leinonkoski@jyvaskyla.fi.