Founded in 1442, Rauma is a charming historic town. The heart of the town - Old Rauma is the most beautiful and the largest preserved coherent medieval wooden town area in the Nordic region. In 1991 the area was listed on the UNESCO`s World Heritage Sites as an example of Nordic wooden town construction. The buildings in the area date mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries and form a myriad of shops, complemented by an idyllic backdrop of wooden houses and lush gardens, a marketplace, and many historically and culturally significant sights. The Church of the Holy Cross, built in the 15th century, featuring mediaeval murals and frescoes is well worth a visit. The town is a heaven also for shoppers and gourmets. Especially during the summer months, the marketplace is a popular meeting place.