Sofiankatu, in the heart of Helsinki old town
The street Sofiankatu is a short alley between the Senate Square and the Market Square. It is among the oldest streets in Helsinki, dating back to 1640´s. Rich merchants built there houses in the historical quarters of Helsinki old town and some of the buildings still carry their names, like Sunn and Hellenius in the north corners of Sofiankatu.
The street was renamed in 1812 after the mother (princess Sofia of Württemberg by birth) of the Russian emperor Alexander I. The buildings along the street were renovated in early 19th century in empire-style. A hotel and restaurant was built in the south corner that now houses the Helsinki City hall. You can enter the City hall lobby also from the alley, though the main entrance is in the North Esplanade.
The house in Sofiankatu 4 was built in 1913 as part of a department store and later served as the Helsinki police headquarters. The Helsinki City Museum took over the building in 1995. In the neighbouring buildings new restaurants have opened in recent years.