Verdand House and Cafe Fontana, Turku

The Verdand House (Verdandihuset) is a New Renaissance building designed by Turku architect Frithiof Strandell.

The building, which was completed in 1898, was originally intended to function primarily as a residential building for wealthier bourgeois families, is today somewhat of a center for the Finnish Swedes in the city. The Swedish Club in Turku conducts its business in the attic of the building and Finland's oldest still published newspaper Turku Underrättelser has its office on the third floor of the building.

Conveniently located in the city centre's historical surroundings, Café Fontana is hugely popular among both locals and tourists. This lovely café, located on the building ground floor, offers its visitors delicious, in-house baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, muffins and croissants, which are served with freshly ground coffee sauce. The menu also includes fresh salads, tasty pastas and other yummy dishes. Café Fontana is a great place in which to have lunch on the terrace and experience the busy city life.