Senate Square and its surroundings make up the oldest part of central Helsinki.
Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland's most famous and photographed building; it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.
A statue of Emperor Alexander II is located in the center of the square. The statue, erected in 1894, was built to commemorate
his re-establishment the Diet of Finland in 1863, as well as his initiation of several reforms that increased Finland's autonomy from Russia.