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Introducing Jakobstad
The pretty town of Jakobstad (Finnish: Pietarsaari) is distinctively Swedish (55% of the population speak Swedish), and the most interesting place to stop and sample the curious world of Parallelsverige. There is a well-preserved historic Old Town filled with 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses, some off-beat museums and easy access to some interesting coastal area.
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Jakobstad was founded in 1652 by Ebba Brahe, wife of war hero Jacob de la Gardie. The surrounding region, Pedersöre, gave the town its Finnish name, which translates as Peter's Island. Russians sacked Jakobstad twice in 1714; despite the repeated drubbings, it became the leading shipping town in Finland during the 18th century.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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