The ancient Sortavala has been inhabited since the second part of the 1st millenary. Extremely advantageous geographic location as well as beneficial climate has attracted settlers for centuries and made the town a challenge prize of all the wars in that region. It changed hands so often that has become a mixture of architectural styles. A “Historic Town,” featuring Western European modern, classicism, neoclassicism, national romanticism, functional style, pseudo-Gothic and folk wooden architecture. Now take your chance and hear the heart of the city beating, walk its streets remembering ancient warriors, grain and furs merchants, sailors from all the northern countries and singers participating in traditional Finnish song festivals held in the city.