Complete the gaps

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Finland’s thriving waterfront capital, Helsinki,
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is situated at the northeastern of the Baltic Sea.
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Nestled snugly between Sweden and Russia,
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the city overlooks more than 300 islands in the waters of the .

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Known as The White City of the North for its traditional use of light ,
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the city is a seamless blend of traditional and modern design.
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There is no better way to start the culture of this city,
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than by starting at a landmark which epitomizes the style and sophistication of Finnish design.
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Kamppi Chapel, or The Chapel of Silence,
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is a multi-faith sanctuary in one of the busiest parts of town.
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Settle into one of the ash-wood pews and meditate before you explore the rest of this delightful city.

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In Helsinki, creative minds and innovators are .
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Their statues, monuments and sculptures stand alongside architectural masterpieces, old and new.

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Start through history by taking the ferry from Market Square
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to the city’s guardian, Suomenlinna Fortress.
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These battlements upon six islands in the archipelago
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and the Gulf of Finland for almost 300 years.

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The fortress and Helsinki itself a long and bloody tug of war
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between neighbouring Sweden and Russia, until the nation won its independence in 1917.

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Today, have replaced the soldiers of old,
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indulging in naps on the warm rocks while listening to the lapping waters of the Baltic Sea.

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Back on the mainland, visit St. John’s Church in the Ullanlinna district.
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In the past, Helsinki’s citizens would here on midsummer’s eve,
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otherwise known as Saint John’s day.

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Helsinki has a passion for creative invention and isn’t about showcasing it.
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There is an abundance of museums and galleries across the city,
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including the Helsinki Design Museum.
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Explore the permanent exhibition devoted to the great moments
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of Finnish design from 1870 to the present.

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Knowledge is the DNA of ,
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and Helsinki’s unmatched education system has nurtured
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some of the finest minds in the world.
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The renowned University of Helsinki runs the Natural History Museum,
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which is dedicated to the study and of the greatest designer of all;
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Mother Nature.

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Continue your design journey to a sublime marriage between mankind and nature.
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Temppeliaukio Church, otherwise the Rock Church,
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into the city’s natural bedrock.
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Its copper dome ceiling is surrounded by glass skylights
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and appears to float above the subterranean hall.
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The cavernous basin has otherworldly acoustics,
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and is a favourite for touring musicians.

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Helsinki is home to many structures dedicated to productions.
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One of the most iconic, is Finlandia Hall.
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Designed by one of Finland’s finest, Alvar Aalto,
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the building harmonizes with the city’s landscape
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and is another fantastic display of Helsinki’s phenomenal design stature.
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Across the street from the towering pillars of the Parliament building,
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and looking very much like a magnificent glass house is the Helsinki Music Centre.
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This is the home of the Sibelius Music Academy,
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Finland’s most beloved composer, Jean Sibelius.

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During the long march for independence,
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his epic orchestral works provided a rousing chorus of national pride.
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An enchanting celebration of this esteemed composer
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is the Sibelius Monument in the Töölö district.
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Look up at the bright Finnish sky
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through the steel pipes and consider Sibelius’ thoughtful frown.

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Discover art of a more modern nature the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art,
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a unique gallery, designed to illuminate the treasures within by Finland’s natural light.

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Esplanadi,
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often referred to as the living room of the city.
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From here, walk north to Senate Square,
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fans out from the fatherly gaze of Emperor Alexander the second.
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Climb the stairs to the foot of Helsinki Cathedral,
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a breathtaking whitewashed structure which towers above the rest of the city.
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Stare up at the twelve apostles, whose ,
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zinc statues stand like wise custodians.
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Inside, the cathedral is just as bright,
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with a central dome that lets Finland’s ethereal light flood in.

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Helsinki Cathedral,
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is its brooding younger brother, Uspenski Cathedral.
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Built with dark bricks, the cathedral is powerfully conspicuous
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as it rises from the surrounding white granite of the Katajanokka district.
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Roam through the area’s streets and along the shore,
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and watch the church with a golden Helsinki sunset.
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Celebrations of education and creativity mean Helsinki is a city,
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designed for life.
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Its reputation as one of the world’s happiest places
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lures people from all over the world.
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And now, it is calling to you.