Kalmar Castle - a fortress built by Magnus Ladulas. During the twelfth century a round defensive tower was built on Kalmarsund and a harbour constructed. At the end of the thirteenth century Magnus LadulŠµs had a new fortress built with a curtain wall, round corner towers and two square gatehouses surrounding the original tower. The gate tower Kuretornet was the most powerful tower of the stronghold.
From fortress to castle
Under Gustav Vasa and his sons Erik XIV and Johan III, the castle was transformed into a grand Renaissance palace. In 1545 new fortifications began to be built around the castle. 1553 saw the start of work on new royal residential quarters, headed initially by castle builder Jacob Richter, who was succeeded by the brothers Johan Baptista and Dominicus Pahr. During this period, magnificent interiors were added, including Kungssalen, Rutsalen and the new castle church.
Kalmar Castle suffered heavy damage during the Kalmar War of 1611-13 and was badly damaged by a fire in 1642. Repairs were begun but from the end of the seventeenth century the castle was allowed to fall into disrepair. During the eighteenth century it was used as a granary, a royal brewery and a prison. A windmill was installed on top of the Kuretornet tower at this time.
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