Pikiruukki
A pitch pot was established in Pikisaari in the 17th century. This is where Pikisaari got its name. "Ruukki" was built far away from the city because of the fire hazard. It was burned down in the 19th century, probably by the English. As a reminder of the fire, a large pitch layer can be seen on the ground.
Pitch burning ended at the end of the 1800s. Structures that remain are protected by the Ancient Monuments Act.
Pikisaari is full of industrial history
Pikisaari has a long, 400-year industrial history. Towards the 1970s, however, the industry began to wane and finally stopped altogether. The island is located next to the city center in the Oulujoki estuary and is connected by three bridges to the city center and nearby islands. In the 17th century, there was a pitch manufactorer on the island, from which the island got its name.
Nowadays, the area of Pikisaari is protected and it is especially known as a craftsman and artist district. Among other things, the area is home to the Pikisaari unit of the Oulu regional college, the Oulu Architects Guild, and artists' studios and art gallery activities in the premises of the old Wool Factory.