The Royal Palace

"The Royal Palace of Stockholm (Stockholms slott) serves as the official residence of the Swedish Monarch, Carl XVI Gustaf, and is the largest of all royal palaces in Sweden. Located on Stadsholmen in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, it stands adjacent to the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag). The palace features private offices for the monarch and other royal family members, along with administrative offices for the Royal Court of Sweden. It is also utilized for ceremonial purposes and official duties of the King as Head of State. The south façade of the palace is grand, facing Slottsbacken, while the east side borders Skeppsbron, a prominent waterfront promenade. The northern façade features Lejonbacken (Lion's Slope), a ramp system adorned with lion sculptures, and the western wings overlook the Högvaktsterrassen, an open plaza. The original structure on this site was a fortress built in the 13th century by Birger Jarl to defend Lake Mälaren. Over time, the fortress evolved into a palace known as Slottet Tre Kronor ("Castle of the Three Crowns"). Significant renovations occurred at the end of the 16th century during the reign of King John III, transforming the old fortress into a Renaissance-style palace. In 1690, it was decided to reconstruct the palace in the Baroque style under the guidance of architect Nicodemus Tessin. However, a devastating fire in 1697 destroyed much of the building. Following this disaster, Tessin oversaw the reconstruction, which included the completion of the semi-circular wings around the western courtyard in 1734 and the royal church in the 1740s. The palace's exterior was finalized in 1754, and the royal family took residence there as the wings were completed. The north-west wing was finished by 1760, and Lejonbacken was added between 1824 and 1830. The palace is protected by the Högvakten, the Royal Guard, which has historical roots dating back to the early 16th century. Each of the four façades of the palace features distinct architectural styles reflecting their functions, with the southern façade being the most opulent, featuring elements reminiscent of a Roman triumphal arch adorned with sculptures and reliefs. Internally, the palace comprises several significant areas: - **Western Range:** Contains the Bernadotte Apartment and the Ordenssalarna (Galleries of the Orders of Chivalry) on the second floor, while the third floor hosts the Guest Apartment and State Apartment. - **Eastern Range:** Home to the Livrustkammaren, Sweden's oldest museum showcasing royal artifacts, including the Crown Jewels. - **Northern Range:** Houses the King's and Queen's suites, the Party Apartments, and the Karl XI:s galleri (Gallery of Charles XI), as well as the Tre Kronor Museum, which exhibits remnants of the original palace. - **Southern Wing:** Features the Rikssalen (Royal Hall) and the Palace Church, along with the Skattkammaren (Treasure Chamber) housing the Swedish Crown Jewels. - **Northern Wing:** Contains Gustav III's antiquities museum, showcasing ancient sculptures from Italy. The Royal Palace is not only a functional residence and administrative center but also a symbol of Sweden's royal heritage and history, attracting visitors for its architectural grandeur and cultural significance."

"This is an obvious one, but definitely worth seeing! The museums are amazing. Going inside the palace and looking at all the rooms, makes you feel like your in bridgerton. The Crown Jewels are also very lovely to see. I highly recommend looking when changing the gaurd is and watching that, as it really is an amazing experience."

"The Royal Palace dominates Stockholm's skyline and invites visitors to explore its opulent interiors and grand courtyards. Marvel at the Changing of the Guard ceremony and discover the rich history of Swedish royalty within its walls."