Visiting the Royal Palace of Stockholm
The Royal Palace of Stockholm, or Kungliga Slottet, serves as the official residence of the Swedish monarch. You will find it in the heart of the Old Town, situated right along the Norrström waterway.
History
Construction on the current iteration of the palace began in 1697. This project followed a massive fire that destroyed the former Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) castle. To create such a grand structure, Swedish officials recruited French sculptors and painters. These artisans held such high standing that, even in a strictly Protestant Sweden where Catholicism was generally banned, they were permitted to hold their own religious services. Many of these craftsmen brought experience from their work on the Palace of Versailles. However, the Great Northern War halted construction from 1709 to 1727. In 1732, a new wave of French artisans was brought to Stockholm to complete the work. It took 74 years in total, with the project finally reaching completion in 1771.
The Royal Palace of Stockholm
This striking building, designed in an Italo-Baroque style, contains over 680 rooms spread across seven floors. Beyond the royal apartments, you will find 2 museums, the Treasury housing the crown jewels, a library, and a church. Much like at Buckingham Palace in London, crowds gather here to watch the changing of the guard, a tradition that has protected the royal family since the 16th century. Public tours are available, and during the summer months, visitors can even access the Royal Chapel.
The palace also holds several lesser-known treasures, such as the Don Quixote Salon. It takes its name from the wall tapestries depicting scenes from the life of the Cervantes hero. These pieces were a gift from Louis XVI to Gustav III during the Swedish king's visit to Paris.
The architecture here is unique, and the interior offers plenty of highlights for those interested in history and art.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
This palace manages, through its architecture, to be both imposing and elegant at the same time. It reminds us that Sweden is a kingdom, something that is easy to forget since we never hear about the crowned heads of this country!