From the 12th century until their independence in 1917, Finland was a physical and political battlefield between Sweden and Russia. During this period, Finnish nobility evolved among wealthy landowners. They received special privileges, tax relief and titles in exchange for supplying soldiers to the ruler’s cavalry. These noblemen, their families and heirs were registered in the Finnish House of Nobility. Since 1862, the Ritarihuone has been their assembly hall and offices. The Neo-Gothic building was designed by Georg Theodor Chiewitz.
