Kalmar Castle, Sweden

The Kalmar Castle is a medieval castle located near the site of medieval harbour in the city of Kalmar, southeastern Sweden. The construction of the castle began in the 12th century when a defensive tower was built. In the 1280's was around the tower built a fortress by King Magnus Ladulås. In the following centuries was the castle further expanded and was in 1397 the site of the formation of the Kalmakar Union (a union of Denmark, Sweden and Norway).



In the 16th century was the Kalmar Castle rebuilt in its present appearance when Kings Erik XIV and Johan III transformed it into a Renaissance palace. The castle suffered a severe damage during the Kalmar War 1611-13 and was afterwards also damaged by a fire in 1642. At the end of the 17th century the Kalmar Castle fell into decay and was in the 18th century used as a granary, a royal brewery and a prison. By the 19th century was the castle in disrepair but it was in the second half of the 19th century restored. The restoration works continued also in the 20th century and today is the Kalmar Castle open to the public but it is used also for feasts and conferences.