Oravala Manor
When slender oak saplings on the banks of the Kymi River stretched their leaves towards the heights, they had no idea what they would witness over the centuries to come. They still line the paths of Oravala Manor and spread their foliage to shelter the garden, just as they did back then. Do the tree rings reveal a devastating fire, the turmoil of shifting national borders, the daily bustle of the manor's inhabitants, and perhaps proposals whispered beneath their branches?
Only a 15-minute drive from Verla lies the visitor attraction Oravala Manor. Since ancient times, a water route has connected Verla and Oravala, and the first inhabitants settled in these areas. Oravala Manor and Verla are also linked by the early days of sawmill and paper industries; later, the managers of Verla and the owners of Oravala Manor were good friends. Oravala Manor was founded in 1671 for Count Carl Gyllenstierna. The manor's history is filled with eventful occurrences and influential owners. Today, Oravala Manor is a family manor, a farm, and a historical visitor site, full of stories and authentic atmosphere in the old manor environment.
Cultural Heritage
For the current hosts, Ingela and Christian, the fifth generation of the Hornborg family, preserving cultural heritage is a matter of the heart. Their long-term, continuous, and diligent work involves restoring and maintaining the building heritage and cultural landscape, as well as researching and documenting the manor's history and stories. The old family manor has been gradually renovated; the yellow ochre glows in the restored cultural barn's window frames, and one can once again walk along the old sandy paths of the park. The oldest residential building dates back to the early 18th century, and the main building is from the 1930s. The manor is surrounded by an oak park from the 18th century, and hidden in the park is a small gem, an old, red-painted summerhouse. Oravala Manor is part of the Kymijoki Valley's cultural landscape, which is nationally important for the preservation of cultural environments or landscapes. The manor has several ancient remains, and the entire yard is a protected ancient site.
The Oak Park Holds Centuries of Stories
On a guided storytelling tour, you can explore Oravala Manor's fascinating history and stories, its atmospheric home museum, and the old oak park. Rarely can Finland's history be condensed so well into one place! You can also enjoy refreshing coffee with traditional pastries. Cultural events such as concerts, traditional building days, and drama tours are held in the old manor environment. Welcome to spend an unforgettable day in an authentic manor setting!