Punavuori

Punavuori
Rödbergen
Helsinki Subdivision

Position of Punavuori within Helsinki
Country  Finland
Region Uusimaa
Sub-region Greater Helsinki
Municipality Helsinki
Subdivision number 05
District Southern
Subdivision regions none
Area 0.42 km2 (0.16 sq mi)
Population (2010) 8,440
Postal codes 00120, 00150
Neighbouring subdivisions Kaartinkaupunki
Kamppi
Eira
Ullanlinna
Munkkisaari

Punavuori (Swedish: Rödbergen) is a neighbourhood in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The name Punavuori (English: Red mountain) refers to red cliffs located between Sepänkatu and Punavuorenkatu. They were still visible in the 19th century, nowadays they are covered with buildings and pavement. Punavuori was traditionally a working-class neighbourhood, today it is known as a bohemian district popular among artists, students and hipsters. It is one of the most densely populated areas in Finland.

After the new location and growth of Helsinki in the 18th century, Punavuori became the area next to the center. During the 19th century the district had a seedy reputation. Most of the brothels and beerhouses were found in Punavuori. The social problems were aggravated by quickly built rent-apartments for the poor.

Viiskulma ("five corners") intersection in Punavuori

After World War II, the district went through a process of gentrification. Today Punavuori offers many trendy small shops and bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Important streets include Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu. In the old Helsinki slang, the district is called "Rööperi" (derived from the district's Swedish name).

Sinebrychoff park in Punavuori

A Finnish cover version of The Beatles' song "Penny Lane" has lyrics referring to Punavuori. The song is called "Rööperiin" which means "To Punavuori", using the slang term derived from the Swedish name. The song has been recorded by Pepe Willberg (and later by other artists). The lyrics for the chorus part are: "Rööperiin, mä kaipaan niin" ("I yearn for Punavuori").

Media related to Punavuori at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 60°09′42″N 024°56′17″E / 60.16167°N 24.93806°E / 60.16167; 24.93806


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/16/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.