Café Piper

Since 1928 Café Piper has served visitors at Suomenlinna. In the 18th century a wooden summerhouse inspired by antique temples stood in the centre of the park and contributed as an elemental part of the English styled garden. The rocky fortress needed also green areas with recreational possibilities to counterbalance the harsh architecture.

The original summerhouse was replaced by a new building in 1874. The new building was used as the Russian officers' summer residence and a roman-catholic chapel.

In 1921 the Ehrensvärd Society made a motion for starting a cafeteria in the fortress and was given a permission to build ”restaurant facilities” in the Piper's Park. The old and decayed chapel was torn down with the exception of its cellar and a new building was built in 1928. The new cafeteria was designed by architect A.W Rancken.

For almost eighty years the visitors and the inhabitants of the fortress have been able to enjoy a cup of coffee and something to eat in the beautiful Piper's Café with its marvellous sea view.


Foto: Krister Katva