Havis Amanda

This bronze fountain statue stands at the Market Square by the harbour in Helsinki, depicting a nude young woman rising from the water surrounded by sea lions and fish spouting jets. Unveiled in 1908 and created by Ville Vallgren, it was intended to symbolise the rebirth of the city, personified as a mermaid emerging from the Baltic. Its sensuality provoked controversy at the time. By tradition, graduating students crown the figure with a white cap during May Day celebrations each spring.