Every design for Lapua

Lapua lies along the Lapua River in South Ostrobothnia, between Seinäjoki and Kauhava, in a valley that settlers from Sastamala began to farm in the early fourteenth century. The Battle of Lapua was fought on the edge of town during the Finnish War, and this small town is the seat of a Lutheran diocese, with a cathedral designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. The name of the town also travelled far in darker times, when the Lapua Movement was founded and named after it.

For many people here, the strongest memories belong to the cartridge factory. It gave work to generations, it was the scene of a deadly explosion, and today its old buildings have become Vanha Paukku, home to Lapuan Patruunatehtaan museo, Lapuan taidemuseo, a library and a theatre. Pyhälahden valokuvaamomuseo and Ränkimäen talomuseo hold on to quieter everyday lives.

And on the edge of town stands Suomen sodan ensimmäinen muistomerkki, Kiviristi, a stone cross remembering the Finnish War.