The most romantic place for dates in Helsinki is located near the sculptural composition “Three Smiths”. The square where this monument stands was formed at the intersection of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheim Avenue.
The fairly realistic sculpture depicts three blacksmiths striking an anvil with hammers. The inscription in Latin placed on the round pedestal states that this statue is a gift to the city from the company “Pro Helsingfors”. The author of “The Three Smiths” is the Finnish architect Felix Nylund, whose sculptures can be seen in Turku and Helsinki, but this very composition, installed in 1932, is considered his signature work.
So what is romantic about three stern men with hammers? There is a legend according to which in ancient times blacksmiths were considered almost magicians, capable of forging anything. And so one sorceress wished to marry off her beautiful daughter to the man who would be able to forge true happiness for her. Since then, the three blacksmiths have stood there, trying to create happiness on the anvil for love of the beautiful girl. Another legend says that the blacksmiths will lower their hammers only when a girl passes nearby who is more beautiful than the sorceress’s daughter.
Everyone believes in what feels closest to them. Nevertheless, Three Smiths Square is an extremely popular place where young people and visitors to Helsinki often gather. In summer, an ensemble of Peruvian folk music performs here constantly, and politicians from the Green League often hold their election campaigns here.
