Borgholm Castle

Borgholm Castle is located near the town of Borgholm on the west side of the Swedish island of Öland. After a fire in the 19th century, it is now only preserved as a ruin, but still one of the most impressive sights of Sweden.

From the castle to ruins

The Borg Holmer Castle originated from a fortified tower of the 12th century and has been constantly expanding with its strategic importance in the wars of Sweden against the Danes.

From the original castle was developed under John III. in the Renaissance, a military-like castle with several wings. In the 17th century, was designed by the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. on behalf of Charles X Gustav the castle to a significant baroque complex. The hitherto partly solitary parts of the building were extended to four large wings and placed under a common powerful roof, corner towers covered with dome-like hoods. These extensions have not been fully completed, the east and south wings were indeed covered, but not expanded. The tower was demolished during the renovation work inside the castle courtyard his plan is set into the ground. Since the beginning of the 18th century the castle lost its importance. The border with Denmark, which formerly ran through southern Sweden, was relocated to the south coast of the Scandinavian peninsula and the fort had no strategic benefit more. In addition to emerged and Stockholm in new, more modern locks and the old Borg Holmer castle lost for the royal house of charm. The castle fell into disrepair after only a guards populated the building. The last service in the chapel was held in 1772. In the unused rooms in 1803 drew up a clothier with his company. On October 14, 1806 a fire broke out and destroyed the castle completely, only the mighty walls survived the fire.

The ruin is preserved and open to visitors at various levels. Inside the castle can still be seen the position of the former ballrooms, enfilades members still earlier suites and even the mighty staircase is retained and usable. In the remains of the castle is a museum housed, which is dedicated to the history of the building. The courtyard also concerts, theater performances and other events are held, the Swedish pop group Roxette turned here in 1989 during a concert two live video clips ( Listen To Your Heart and Dangerous ).

Area

Very close to the ruins are the gardens of Schloss Solliden. This designed by Italian models villa was built in 1906 at the behest of Queen Victoria. The building now serves as the summer residence of the Swedish royal family, but the gardens are open to visitors. The park, with its fountains offers a delightful contrast to the adjacent, surrounded by the ruins of Öland steppe. Before the castle ruin is beyond the built in memory of royal hunts hunting stone.