Some friends are going to Helsinki soon and I want to show them this gorgeous cafe we found. We must have walked past this building at 19 Pohjoisesplanadi, the main street leading towards the harbour, dozens of times without looking in. We went in for the first time when we were in Helsinki in May. It is amazing!
the front door
The 3 storey building was built in 2 phases between 1815 and 1827 for Russian born merchant Yegor Uschakoffin for residential and commercial use. In 1904 it was renovated by architect Lars Sonck and opened as a bank. The banking hall has 3 naves and vaulted ceilings, making it look a bit like a church. It is now owned by the city of Helsinki and is used as a cafe. You can also enter from the information centre.
3 naves
lovely details
The banking hall’s rich ornamentation, decorative paintings and stone sculpture were designed by Walter Jung.
the beautiful banking hall - now a lovely cafe
beautiful walls
stone sculpture
one of the decorated pillars
I love the staircase
painted by Wilho Sjostrom in 1916
design details
On the way out we noticed a couple of references to the building’s banking past.
a bag of money
- a happy chap counting his money
We walked past again on a fine and sunny Sunday morning and the cafe was full, and tables were spilling out onto the footpath. I would have to sit inside to take in all the lovliness. The coffee and cake we had were good too.
For more on beautiful Helsinki click here, or take a look in the Helsinki category.
Very classy, BdL – it’s on my to do list now.
By: Richard Tulloch on August 18, 2011
at 8:57 am
I love Helsinki. I’ll be back there in late September.
By: bagnidilucca on August 18, 2011
at 8:58 am
Beautiful; Iove all the art nouveau influences.
By: Anna Harrison on August 18, 2011
at 9:16 am
Helsinki is full of beautiful art nouveau buildings. I never get tired of looking at them.
By: bagnidilucca on August 18, 2011
at 9:47 am
That’s a cafe? Wow!
By: Journey Photographic on August 18, 2011
at 10:27 am
It almost seems a waste, but I guess it is good to see it being used.
By: bagnidilucca on August 18, 2011
at 10:32 am
Wow–how lovely! If I ever make it to Helsinki I will definitely visit.
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on August 18, 2011
at 10:45 am
Beautiful place and great photos… as usual.
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 18, 2011
at 11:49 am
I like the design and, of course, the beautiful wood Sjostrom painted.
Those are cats in the wald, aren’t they?
Do you have a closer photo? I love cats. 🙂
By: maru on August 18, 2011
at 1:51 pm
very cool
By: george miori on August 18, 2011
at 1:59 pm
The Aschen cafe looks amazing. Great photos again.
By: Just Add Attitude on August 18, 2011
at 8:02 pm
It is a gorgeous place. I’m looking forward to being there again soon.
By: bagnidilucca on August 19, 2011
at 7:52 am
Stunning.
By: Charlotte on August 18, 2011
at 9:02 pm
It is lovley isn’t it?
By: bagnidilucca on August 19, 2011
at 7:52 am
Wow, what a cafe. Sitting there would certainly enhance the latte.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on August 18, 2011
at 10:17 pm
It does just that.
By: bagnidilucca on August 19, 2011
at 7:52 am
What a great find! I love the look and ambiance!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 18, 2011
at 10:35 pm
I can’t believe we missed it for so long.
By: bagnidilucca on August 19, 2011
at 7:53 am
I love northern decorative style. Thanks for the tip.
By: Jessica on August 19, 2011
at 5:48 am
Helsinki is full of lovely buildings.
By: bagnidilucca on August 19, 2011
at 7:53 am
Really interesting architecture and decor.
By: lisa@notesfromafrica on August 28, 2011
at 9:45 am
Helsinki is full of fabulous design. I love it!
By: bagnidilucca on August 28, 2011
at 10:10 am
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By: Aschan Café Jugen « Down by the Dougie on November 1, 2011
at 11:52 am
Nice pictures. I’ve just got back from Helsinki and visited the cafe for my lunch while I was exploring all the Jugendstil buildings round the town centre. It doesn’t look much from the outside but the interior was pretty special.
By: ms6282 on November 1, 2011
at 12:14 pm
I love Helsinki and visit often. This cafe is beautiful. I was in Helsinki a month ago and the footpath outside was full of people enjoying the sunny weather. I have done a few posts about the beautiful buildings in Helsinki. Look in the Helsinki category.
By: bagnidilucca on November 1, 2011
at 12:32 pm
Wow, these are wonderful photos of that amazing architecture. Beautiful place.Thanks for sharing.
By: KatiesCameraBlog on November 1, 2011
at 2:24 pm
Helsinki is full of beautiful buildings. It is a lovely city.
By: bagnidilucca on November 1, 2011
at 5:06 pm