Central Railway Station, Helsinki - The majestic Guardians were typical signs of Finnish design, commisioned after Finland's independence from Imperial Russia, which ruled for over 5 decades. Finland was controlled earlier by the Tsars and administrators in St.Petersburg, the most culture-rich city in the world during the peak of its glory, which is just about 5 hours by train from this station. The statues of the 4 guardians (two on the other side), stand proud as the most important landmark monuments representing Finland. Architect: Eliel Saarinen, 1914