Did you
know that Helsinki has the biggest shopping center in the Nordic countries? Itäkeskus
in the eastern part of the city is not only big; it’s also the oldest shopping
center in the Finnish capital. Its first part Pasaasi was built in 1984 and has been extended twice (1992, 2001)
since then.
But
especially since the older parts haven’t been undergoing any big renovation and
the shopping center is located in one of the poorer and more problematic areas
of the city, its reputation has suffered lately. To make it more attractive to
visitors again a big media campaign was started this year. Along with that came
also a new name. Itäkeskus is now Itis.
Coming up with the
name was simple and at the same time quite clever. Itis has always been
the nick name for Itäkeskus among Helsinki
locals. A new name normaly also suggests a new look and a more modern appearance of the whole center. So
far there is not much changed visible though. But renovations are in full process and
should be finished till summer this year.
Itis is
anyway worth a visit. Apart from its shopping possibilities it also has its
very own atmosphere that differs a lot from what you can find in the center. If
you want to see a different Helsinki and get a glimpse of what the eastern part
of the city is like you should take the Metro and spend an afternoon at there.
