Page 60 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

58  ST OCKHOLM AREA B Y AREA

1 The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

Defensive installations or castles have stood on the island of
Stadsholmen ever since the 11th century. The Tre Kronor
(Three Crowns) fortress was completed in the mid-13th
century, but became a royal residence only during the
following century. The Vasa kings turned the fortress into a
Renaissance palace which burned to the ground in 1697. In
its place the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger created
a new palace in Baroque style with an Italianate exterior and . Changing of the Guard
a French interior toned down to suit Swedish tastes. The Stockholm’s most popular tourist
palace’s 608 rooms were decorated by Europe’s foremost event is the daily changing of
the guard at midday in the
artists and craftsmen. Adolf Fredrik was the first king to move Outer Courtyard.
into the palace, in 1754. It is no longer the king’s private
residence, but remains one of the city’s leading sights.
Entrance to the
The Western Royal Apartments
Staircase
Tessin was especially
proud of the two
staircases, made
from Swedish
marble and
porphyry. On the
western staircase
stands a bust of the
gifted architect.

. The Hall of State
This opulent hall has an
atmosphere of ceremonial
splendour and forms an
ideal setting for Queen
Kristina’s silver throne,
probably the palace’s most
famous treasure.
Entrance to Treasury
and Royal Chapel

KEY
1 The Guest Apartments
2 The Bernadotte Apartments
are situated on the floor below Karl
XI’s Gallery.
3 Tre Kronor Museum entrance
from Lejonbacken (see p61).
4 Carl Hårleman played an
important role in the design of the The Royal Chapel
palace. His bust adorns this niche. This delightful little
church has a rich
5 Logården is the terrace between
the palace’s east wings. interior decorated by
many different artists.
6 Livrustkammaren (see p62) The pulpit is the work
of J P Bouchardon.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp284–5 and pp294–5

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