Royal Academy of Turku, Turku

The Royal Academy of Turku, located in the historical city of Turku, Finland, is a beacon of academic excellence and a testament to the city's intellectual heritage. Established in 1640 by Queen Christina of Sweden, it holds the distinction of being the first university in Finland and the second oldest university in the entire Nordic region.

As an educational institution, it was the cornerstone for higher learning in Finland, fostering the nation's academic and cultural development for centuries. The Royal Academy of Turku played a pivotal role in educating many of the country's leaders, thinkers, and innovators, contributing significantly to the shaping of Finnish society.

Tragically, the Great Fire of Turku in 1827 devastated the city, and the original buildings of the Royal Academy were lost to the flames. In the aftermath, the Academy was relocated to the new capital, Helsinki, and eventually became known as the University of Helsinki.