‘Ihantola’
Viides Linja 18
Kallio
Helsinki
Finland
1906
This is the oldest of the Art Nouveau buildings in this part of the city. Ihantola means “wonderful place” in English.
The street, Viides Linja, means “Fifth Line”, which comes from referring to the parallel grid lines of the town plan drawn up in 1887 as “lines”.
Although it is now famous for its bright colour, it has not always been pink. It was previously painted in yellow.
Viides Linja 18 is right across the road from Kallio Church, built by architect Lars Sonck.
“…decorations in the facades are inspired by
Helsinki Art Nouveau Jugendstil – an illustrated guide
decorations of old Finnish churches .”
Helsinki Jugendstil 