Athenis Finlandiae, Jyväskylä, Finland, 12 – 19 September 2011

Athenis Finlandiae – an event in the “Athens of Finland”

"Athenis Finlandiae" translates "in the Athens of Finland". The city of Jyväskylä got this name in the 1850’s when the Finnish national poet, Elias Lönnroth, once wrote a letter to another Finland-minded writer, Wolmar Styrbjörn Schildt, saying: "You Schildt, over there in Jyväskylä, the Athens of Finland, the cradle of the arts and sciences…." Schildt, living that time in Jyväskylä, had just developed the Finnish terms for the words "science" and "arts".

Later, this humorous refererence to Athens started to become reality, as the first schools and pedagogical institutions where Finnish was the language of teaching, were established in Jyväskylä. Today, Jyväskylä is particularly well known for its university and other educational institutions, as well as its lively and fresh cultural scene. Since 2008, the city hosts an annual Athenis Finlandiae event, the concept of which lies in the classical culture and languages.

Classical culture for all

Athenis Finlandiae is an excellent example of an unprejudiced cultural event which binds together elements from ancient history, art and science presenting all this in a popular and modern form.

Athenis Finlandiae is an event where you can find answers to questions about classical culture which you have always wanted to know but did not know who to turn to. The versatile programme is made easily approachable, whether you are familiar with the ancient Greek and Roman culture or have no previous experience in the field at all. The programme includes language courses, lectures and seminars, as well as thematic exhibitions and entertainment.

Carpe diem! – Seize the moment. You are welcome to Athenis Finlandiae in the Athens of Finland to join, enjoy and learn.