On Thursday, we went to some old castle ruins nearby called 'Raseborg', built in the 1370's. It became important to Finland's history at the end of the Middle Ages. Because the land has continued to rise (as explained in blog 'Stones, Rocks, and Boulders'), the water level was near the base of the castle which is built on a humongous boulder and is constructed of rocks (surprise!). Raseborg has 3 towers, an encircling wall, and divided rooms on several levels used for jails, storerooms, living areas, guard and watch towers, and even a bathroom. It was used to protect the important trade route over the Gulf of Finland to Reval, Germany and to collect taxes as boats passed the castle. It has been controlled by Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Germany and kings and other rulers have lived in it. It lost its importance as the land continued to rise and was no longer convenient to control and collect the taxes. Though it is in ruins, it was very interesting to walk and climb around the ruins and imagine what may have transpired within its walls.
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