 The castle's present good state of repair is due to a thorough restoration carried out in the 1960s and 70s.Häme Castle, the oldest parts built in stone, said to originate in the 1260s, was originally built in wood, then rebuilt in stone, but then transformed radically in the 14th century in red brick, unique for Finland, with extra lines of defence also in brick added beyond the central bastion.In the 19th century it was converted into a prison in accordance with a design by architect Carl Ludvig Engel.