The Russian Connection....

In the heart of Helsinki's Senate Square is a statue of Tsar Alexander II. Erected in 1873 when Finland was a loyal part of the Russian Empire, the statue was never pulled down despite Finland's rollercoaster relationship with Russia.

After 700 years of Swedish rule, Finland became part of the Russian Empire in 1807. Russian rule was surprisingly benevolent - the Russians left intact virtually all the Swedish institutions and laws. Finland continued to have its own currency, education system, customs, postal service and even its own army. . Unlike other Russian territories, the Finns never agitated for independence throughout the nineteenth century. It wasn't until the early twentieth century when Russia began to fall apart and 'Russification' began to intensify, that Finns moved towards independence in 1917.

Today Finns are not particularly fond of Russians, but the fact that the statue has survived speaks volumes about Finnish tolerance.

All such statues have long disappeared in Russia and this one is a great favourite with Russian tourists.