Örebro Castle is built on a small island in the Svartеn river in the city centre. The site of present-day Örebro was a major centre even in ancient times, thanks to its strategic location on the river. Early on, a bridge was built over the Svartеn and became an important link between the areas north and south of Lake Hjälmaren.
To protect this important route and the community that grew up around it, a fortress was built in the late 13th century on a small island in the river. It consisted of a ring wall surrounding a rectangular courtyard with a strong defensive tower in the southwest corner. This was Örebro Fortress, later to become Örebro Castle.
Karl IX - the King with an interest in architecture.
Gustav Vasa's youngest son, Duke Karl, later to become Karl IX, inherited Örebro Fortress from his father and began an extensive building programme.
The works undertaken 1573-1627 resulted in a building consisting of four three-storey ranges surrounding a courtyard with a round tower in each corner. Ramparts ran between the towers, with outer walls up to two metres thick. The outer walls were made to look rough and fortified, whereas the faзades facing the courtyard were richly ornamented with sculpture. Örebro Castle was now complete, but its primary role remained that of a fortress.
For over 700 years Örebro Castle has kept a watchful eye on everyone crossing the bridge on the River Svartеn. The oldest part of the castle, a defence tower, was erected in the latter half of the 13th century.
This tower was added to in the 14th century to make a larger stronghold, and towards the end of the 16th century most of the impressive castle we see today was built.
Many important events in Swedish history took place here. For over two hundred years it has been the residence of the county governor, but a great deal is open to the general public, with art, music, good food, exhibitions, guided tours, conferences, the tourist bureau and lots more.
Click on "Show on map" button to see location of the castle
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