You’re looking for a large, light green, two-story corner building with classic white-trimmed windows-just glance to the edge of Franzén Park at the intersection of Kajaaninkatu and Kirkkokatu.
Here at Franzén’s House, the air practically tingles with stories. Picture the year 1829: Oulu is recovering from a terrible fire, soot still clinging to the cellars as Johan Franzén dreams up this elegant empire-style building, almost on the ashes of what stood before. If you had been here in the 1600s, the chatter you’d hear was from scholars at the old trivial school. Fast forward, and Sara Wacklin’s hearty laughter and the sound of young girls learning fill the rooms-her girls’ school ran here in the 1830s! Next, see if you can spot the memorial plaques for Sara Wacklin and poet Samuel Gustaf Bergh, whose house once stood right in this spot. Over the years, there was even suspense-city officials schemed for years to turn this place into a city hall, their plans foiled in lengthy court battles. Today, the wonderful smells drifting out? That’s a Turkish restaurant, Hagia Sofia, in the ground floor. So, this corner of Oulu truly serves up history with a flavorful twist!
