And what dwellings do Royals live in? Yes...castles! While here in Sweden, we have visited two castles.
Slott #1: Örebro Castle
When Elin suggested we meet in Örebro and we could walk to the castle nearby, I was in!
Here are some of the facts I learned about this castle:
1. The oldest part of the castle (the defense tower) was built in the 13th century. Another tower was added in the 14th century.
2. It was really expanded during the reign of the Royal Family Vasa (1523 - 1634). This was their home in the 14th and 15th centuries. By the 16th century, most of the castle was completed.
3. Not only has this castle been used as a home for the Royals, but it has also been a prison for inmates, a military compound and a place for the Swedish parliament to gather. In the summertime, there is an outdoor eating area that is most popular. Alas, it is now closed for the season.
4. The castle really is on an island on the River Svartan. That means the moat is automatic without a dig-out.
5. For the past 200 years, the county governor(s) have resided in the castle. Nice, huh? "Blajo"
would've liked this place!
6. Students from the Karolina Skolan use some of the rooms as classrooms presently. Take that, Hogwarts!
Now that we are in Uppsala, we are within walking distance of the second castle. It is difficult to photograph in its entirety.
Slott #2: Uppsala Castle
King Gustav Vasa, in 1549, ordered the construction of this castle to commence. Future Kings Erik XIV, John III and Charles IX all expanded and remodeled during their reigns.
This was the castle from which the abdication of Queen Kristina was announced in 1654.
In 1702 a fire destroyed most of the castle and for many, many years it was left in ruins. Eventually, it was repaired and remodeled once again.
Dag Hammarskjold lived in this castle as a boy when his father was the governor of Uppsala County.
And now it is the home of the Uppsala Art Museum (Uppsala Konstmuseum) which we toured and visited! The special exhibit of ceramics by Taisto Kaasinen and artists from the Upsala-Ekebyfactory was most inspiring.
Once again, the Swedish sense of design comes through. As do their Royals and Castles!
1 comment:
If you were two of the readers who read this while I was still writing, now the post has been completed...oops!
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