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Founded: 1810-1880Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in Finland
Historical period: Russian Grand Duchy (Finland)
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Neristan (downtown) is the name of the old town of Kokkola. Neristan is one of the most extensive wooden towns in Finland. The town plan of 12 blocks is derived from the 1660's. Most of the buildings were built between 1810 and 1880, although the oldest buildings are up to the 1600s.
Until the beginning of 1900s city of Kokkola was divided to Oppistan (upper town) and Neristan (downtown). Oppistan, the current city center, was the business district of rich merchants and the old shipping families. Neristan was inhabited by various craftsmen and sailors. Today most fine stone houses of Oppistan are demolished, but Neristan has remained fairly cohesive with its narrow streets and small gardens.
National Board of Antiquities has defined the Neristan area as a national built heritage.
The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.