The square was the first and the most central
element in most towns. They were forums for political, commercial and social
activities of different kind. Although, many of them have had the same function
until our times, the role of squares as urban public spaces has changed in the
course of time. What are the functions and roles of squares as urban spaces
today? 

In this paper, I am focusing on presenting two
squares of Turku, which are locating on opposite sides of Aura River and facing
each other. Both squares have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and
even today they are flanked with buildings representing the history of the
town. However, the atmosphere on the squares is quite different for most of the
time. The functions or appearances of the squares are not that different, but while
the other square is gathering crowds a couple of times a year, the other square
attracts people everyday. The aim of this paper is to raise discussion about
different factors and elements, which make the squares attractive today and
about the means how urban spaces can be revitalized without changing their
historical character and disrespecting their heritage.