Sweet little Oulu lies near the north end of the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the Oulu river. Its university was founded in 1959. In spring, there are numerous sporting events such as skiing competitions in the Oulu area. Towards the end of the 16th century, King John III of Sweden built a castle on the island of Linnansaari at the mouth of the Oulu river, and the town grew up on this island, receiving its municipal charter in 1610. In 1822, it was almost completely destroyed by fire. The town was swiftly rebuilt in accordance with a plan prepared by Johan Albrecht Ehrenström. During the 19th century, the trade in tar flourished, and the town prospered accordingly. At the north end of the busy Kirkkokatu in Oulu stands the Cathedral, originally built in 1770-72. To the left of the entrance, a monument commemorates those who fell in the Civil War of 1918. From the north end of Kirkkokatu, a small bridge leads into the beautiful island of Ainola Park.
