No Helsinki tourist trip is complete without visiting the picturesque Market Square because of the amazing Havis Amanda fountain on it. The city fountain, whose name means "shameless Amanda" in Finnish, was installed on the square in 1908. The work of the talented sculptor Ville Vallgren quickly won the love of locals and became one of the symbols of Helsinki. It also brought worldwide fame to its creator: the fountain is recognized as the best and most famous work of the Finnish sculptor.

The nude sea maiden, modeled by a beautiful young Parisian woman named Marcelle Delquini, epitomizes the renaissance of Helsinki. The magnificent bronze sculpture was cast in Paris a couple of years before the fountain adorned the metropolitan square. Today, the mythical maiden, 194 centimeters tall, is the central figure of the entire ensemble. It stands on a pedestal more than 3 meters high, made of granite stone as if it comes out of the sea foam like the goddess Aphrodite. The fountain also comprises small fish splashing at the maiden feet and sea lions installed around it. Locals have chosen Manta (as they named their beloved nymph) to make meetings and dates.

Since 1951, thousands of students have gathered at the popular city fountain to celebrate the traditional Finnish Vappu festival. Young men and women with their heads covered with snow-white caps and headdresses open bottles of champagne and arrange a carnival procession. On this festive day, the head of the bronze maiden is also decorated with a cap, and champagne flows like a river right at her wonderful feet. The tradition of celebrating Vappa dates back to the time of pagan cults and rituals. Although it has been celebrated on Market Square since the middle of the 20th century, it became an official Finnish holiday only in 1979.