Kalmar Castle traces its origins back to the 12th century
Here, the Kalmar Union was signed in 1397, and it was during the 16th century and the time of the Vasa kings that the castle acquired its current design.
In the Middle Ages, the castle played an important role in Nordic politics as the location for the signing of the Kalmar Union in 1397. This event was celebrated during the whole year of 1997, the union’s 600th anniversary.
The mighty building was given its current design during the 16th century, when the Vasa kings Gustav I, Erik XIV and John III rebuilt the medieval fortress into a renaissance palace. It was furnished and decorated in continental fashion. Since then, most of it has stayed the same.
Today, Kalmar Castle is considered the most well-preserved Nordic renaissance castle.
Did you know?
- that the earliest part of the castle was built around 1180?
- that the Swedish-Danish border was situated just 50 km south of Kalmar until 1658?
- that there’s been around 30 archeological excavations around the castle since the 1930’s?
