(LAT 61° 36,50, LONG 21° 27,30)

THE MARITIME FISHERMEN'S VILLAGE OF PORI
The island of Reposaari is located just outside Pori on the Gulf of Bothnia at the outlet of the River Kokemäenjoki. It lies by the ancient sea route leading from the Baltic Sea to the trading centres located at the mouths of many rivers on the west coast area of Ostrobothnia. The island is about three kilometres long and a half kilometre wide. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of the mainland. Because of its favourable location and this uniquely sheltered and deep natural harbour Reposaari was well known to tradesmen and warriors. In 1558 Reposaari was given by Duke John ”for the use and enjoyment” to the town of Pori founded in that same year. At first the island was used by fishermen and summer pasture for livestock. As early as the 17th century the inhabitants of Pori began to use the natural harbour of the island as a port loading for the biggest ships. With the silting of the outlet of the river Kokemäenjoki at the beginning of the 19th century, Reposaari was increasingly utilised as the outer harbour of Pori.

REPOSAARI THE CAPITAL OF FINLAND
At the beginning of the 18th century, Israel Nesselius, professor at the University of Turku introduced a plan in one of his writings to make Reposaari the capital of Finland. Nesselius proposed the opening up of the water route from Lake Saimaa through Lake Päijänne and the River Kokemäenjoki into Gulf of Bothnia. The proposal to make Reposaari the capital of the country and a major port was a part of this plan. The island´s location, far away from the explosive eastern border and near the capital of Sweden-Finland as well as the fact that it could easily be fortified were supporting factors in facour of Nesselius´s proposal. His plans wich reflected the progressive attitudes of the era were however implemented.

REPOSAARI - A MAJOR PORT
Reposaari developed to a large and lively exportation port in Finland. According to a local newspaper, on June 20th 1877 there were 160 ships in the roadstead off the coast of Reposaari at the same time. Even now, after a more than a century, we can easily imagine the magnificence of the sight and all the excitement and bustle in that little village. Reposaari was a major port long afterwards, until the construction of a port and a railway in the neighbouring village of Mäntyluoto gave the fatal blow to Reposaari as an exportation port. 

REPOSAARI - AN INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY
In 1873 the Reposaari sawmill was completed. Its construction was financed by Swedish capital and the mill´s business prospects seemed good. In fact, by the 1890s it had developed into one of the major steam-operated sawmills in Finland. At the peak of its operation it gave employment to almost 500 people. The founding of the mill marked a turning point in the history of Reposaari: the small and almost uninhabited outer harbour of Pori developed to an urban-like community. The mill celebrated its 100th anniversary shortly after it was closed down in 1974. The workers´ houses provided by the mill are still in use but the people have had to face the fact of seeking employment elsewhere in Pori. 

REPOSAARI TODAY 
Before 1956 Reposaari could be reached only by boat. The road to the island was completed that year. First the road stretches over a bay, then continues through various islands and islets and finally reaches Reposaari itself. Reposaari is a village of distinct character, friendly and fascinating. To holidaymakers it can offer magnificent maritime scenery and places of interest. The island´s wooden houses of individual character and the beautiful park close to the harbour add a picturesque touch to the island´s enchanting milieu. Traditions were respected in Reposaari for a long time - an example of this was the one-hour siesta at noon that was given up just a few years ago: all shops were closed and people disappear from the streets and alleys.