Helgö

Helgö is a small Swedish island in the western Stockholm Mälaren and the name of the place on this island. The name means " Holy Island" ( cf. Helgoland). The place was one of power, trade and craft centers of Vendel, comparable to Borg in Norway, Gudme on Funen and Uppåkra ( in Lund ) in Scania.

Geography

Helgö is located southwest of the town Ekerö in the same name, consisting of several islands Ekerö community.

History

Castle Kaggeholm

On the island is the castle Kaggeholm, built in 1725, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger in the Rococo style. It now belongs to the Pentecostal movement, which performs the courses here.

Archeology

1954 was found during archaeological excavations remains of a settlement from the 3rd century and workshops from the following time. The goldsmith's art ( guldgubber ) and the bronze foundry were well developed. Significantly Helgö was especially in the Germanic Iron Age or in the Vendel. You can see that here found imported objects. These included a Buddha from northern India and coins of Rome, Byzantium and Arabia. The festival hall of Helgö in which these objects were found is an important archaeological evidence of the early ritual practice of the Scandinavians.

Around 750 Helgö lost his position at Birka.

Others

Prominent residents to Agnetha Fältskog Helgö are ( a member of ABBA), which owns an estate with farm here, and her daughter, the Swedish actress Linda Ulvaeus.

Entrance to Helgö

Castle Kaggeholm

Archaeological Finds