The Esplanade and the Imperial Streets of the Lion Block
 The
strip of park near the Lion Block was christened the Esplanade
in 1820. Having changed names a number of times, the street
on which the main entrance to City Hall is located is now
also called the Esplanade, or rather the North Esplanade (Pohjoisesplanadi).
It was only natural in the 19th century that many of the streets
in the young capital of the Grand Duchy should be named after
members of the Imperial family. One example was Aleksanterinkatu
(Alexander Street), known during the days of Swedish rule
before 1809 first as Suurkatu (Main Street) and later Kuninkaankatu
(King Street). Sofiankatu (Sophia Street) and Katariinankatu
(Catherine Street) were also named after members of the Imperial
family.
Alexander I did admittedly at first decline the honour of
having a street named after him. During a visit to Helsinki
he proposed that the street be called Unioninkatu (Union Street)
as a reminder of the union between Finland and Russia. It
was thus not until 1833, some years after his death, that
the Emperor who had raised Helsinki to the rank of capital
and had done much to promote its development had a street
named after him.
The University of Helsinki on the same street also bore his
name as the Imperial Alexander University.
Sofiankatu is named after the mother of Alexander I, Maria
Fyodorovna, born Princess Sophia of Württemberg. Sofiankatu
is now a street museum and a path through the history of Helsinki
from the centuries of Swedish rule ending in 1809 to the present
day.
Like Sofiankatu, Katariinankatu acquired its present name
in the 1820s. There is, however, some doubt as to precisely
whom this little side street commemorates. Catherine II (Catherine
the Great) was the grandmother of Alexander I and they had
a very close relationship. Alexander also had a Grand Duchess
sister called Catherine.
Illustration:
Sofiankatu celebrates Sofia's Day
in May, Helsinki City Museum
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