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Island in Nagu, Finland
Photo: Cunon, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Själö (Finnish: Seili), is an island in the Archipelago Sea about 30 km southwest from Turku. It is famous for being a former leprosy colony and a fairly popular day-trip destination during summer season.
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This wooden church built in 1733 is the only one in Finland having separate nave for lepers, and the interior is worth of seeing. The church does not belong to any parish and is maintained by Finnish Forest Administration. According to a legend the leprosy patients were buried under the meadow next to the church. However, nobody knows where the bodies actually are. Those resting in the graveyard are mostly mentally ill women and some mental hospital staff.
Even though Själö has been mental asylum at least since 1680s the current hospital building was built in 1851. The buildings were designed by famous architect Pehr Johan Gylich and this group of Empire style stone-made buildings is unique in the archipelago. Former mental hospital is now part of the Turku University and people are making science here, so do not wander around too much. One patient room in the ground floor is still in its original shape. Also Restaurant Seili and public toilets are in the ground floor.
Restaurant Seili is open daily from June to August. There is a buffet lunch from 12:00 to 16:00 and à la carte between 17:00 and 20:00. Breakfast must be ordered beforehand. Terrasse on the inner yard.
Small kiosk next to the Church Jetty is operated by locals. Coffee and buns, some snacks and Själö themed souvenirs.
Accommodation in 1–5 person rooms or apartments. The oldest accommodation building is from 1801, the newest from 2003; interiors are quite modern. Some rooms have en suite facilities. Kitchen available depending on room and season. Linen included but beds have to be made. Sauna can be booked separately. From October to April you need to make your reservation in advance by e-mail or by phone.
Depth 1–3 m. Showers, laundry etc. available. Public sauna (separate for men and women) depending on season, private sauna can be booked separately. Overnighting boats can moor at the post jetty or station jetty ("Asemalaituri") or post jetty, day visitors at the post jetty or church jetty ("Kirkkolaituri"). Mind the ferries.
By ferry
All connecting vessels call at the post jetty, which is about 800 m from the mental hospital.
By boat
If you have your own boat daytime visits are free of charge. The church jetty and post jetty are for day visitors while the post jetty and station jetty can be used for overnight stay.
By walking or by bike. The gravel roads are in good condition and everything is within about one kilometre from the harbors.
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