Punavuori
Encyclopedia
Punavuori is a neighbourhood in Helsinki
, the capital of Finland
.
After the new location and growth of Helsinki in the 18th century, Punavuori became the area next to the center. During the 19th century the district had a seedy reputation. Most of the brothel
s and beerhouse
s were found in Punavuori. The social problems were aggravated by quickly built rent-apartments for the poor.
After World War II
, the district went through a process of gentrification
. Today Punavuori offers many trendy small shops and bar
s, nightclub
s and restaurant
s. Important streets include Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu. In the old Helsinki slang
, the district is called "Rööperi" (derived from the district's Swedish name).
song Penny Lane
has lyrics referring to Punavuori. The song is called "Rööperiin" which means "To Punavuori", using the slang term derived from the Swedish name. The song has been recorded by Pepe Willberg (and later by other artists). The lyrics for the chorus part are: "Rööperiin, mä kaipaan niin" ("I yearn for Punavuori").
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is...
, the capital of Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
.
After the new location and growth of Helsinki in the 18th century, Punavuori became the area next to the center. During the 19th century the district had a seedy reputation. Most of the brothel
Brothel
Brothels are business establishments where patrons can engage in sexual activities with prostitutes. Brothels are known under a variety of names, including bordello, cathouse, knocking shop, whorehouse, strumpet house, sporting house, house of ill repute, house of prostitution, and bawdy house...
s and beerhouse
Beerhouse
A beerhouse was a type of drinking establishment created in the United Kingdom by the 1830 Beerhouse Act, legally defined as a place "where beer is sold to be consumed on the premises". Public houses at the time were issued with licences by local magistrates under the terms of the Retail Brewers...
s were found in Punavuori. The social problems were aggravated by quickly built rent-apartments for the poor.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the district went through a process of gentrification
Gentrification
Gentrification and urban gentrification refer to the changes that result when wealthier people acquire or rent property in low income and working class communities. Urban gentrification is associated with movement. Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size...
. Today Punavuori offers many trendy small shops and bar
Bar (establishment)
A bar is a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails — for consumption on the premises.Bars provide stools or chairs that are placed at tables or counters for their patrons. Some bars have entertainment on a stage, such as a live band, comedians, go-go...
s, nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
s and restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment which prepares and serves food and drink to customers in return for money. Meals are generally served and eaten on premises, but many restaurants also offer take-out and food delivery services...
s. Important streets include Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu. In the old Helsinki slang
Helsinki slang
Helsinki slang or stadin slangi is a local dialect and a sociolect of the Finnish language mainly used in the capital Helsinki...
, the district is called "Rööperi" (derived from the district's Swedish name).
Cultural references with Punavuori
A Finnish cover version of the The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
song Penny Lane
Penny Lane
"Penny Lane" is a song by The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney. It was credited to Lennon–McCartney.Recorded during the Sgt. Pepper sessions, "Penny Lane" was released in February 1967 as one side of a double A-sided single, along with "Strawberry Fields Forever". Both songs were later included...
has lyrics referring to Punavuori. The song is called "Rööperiin" which means "To Punavuori", using the slang term derived from the Swedish name. The song has been recorded by Pepe Willberg (and later by other artists). The lyrics for the chorus part are: "Rööperiin, mä kaipaan niin" ("I yearn for Punavuori").