drottningholmsslott

"Drottningholm, meaning "Queen's islet," has a rich history that dates back to its original construction in 1580 by John III of Sweden for his queen, Catherine Jagiellon. The Renaissance building, designed by architect Willem Boy, replaced an earlier royal mansion known as Torvesund. After Queen Dowager Regent Hedwig Eleonora purchased the palace in 1661, it tragically burned down just days later. Undeterred, she commissioned architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder to design a reconstruction, which began in 1662. Upon Tessin's death in 1681, his son, Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, continued the project, enhancing the interior with elaborate designs and sculptures created by Flemish sculptor Nicolaes Millich. During the reconstruction period, Hedwig Eleonora served as regent for her son, the underage King Charles XI, and Drottningholm became an essential residence for the royal court, especially during the hunting season. After Hedwig's death in 1715, the palace continued to host the royal court in the summer months, notably under Queen Ulrika Eleonora and King Frederick I. In 1744, King Frederick I gifted Drottningholm to Crown Princess Louisa Ulrika of Prussia, who transformed the palace's interior into a refined French rococo style. She also oversaw the reconstruction of the Drottningholm Palace Theatre after a fire in 1762. Following Louisa Ulrika and her husband, Adolf Frederick's reign, the palace became a summer residence for subsequent monarchs, including King Gustav III, who hosted extravagant events and theatrical performances. However, under Charles XIV John, the palace fell into neglect, symbolizing the old dynasty. In the 19th century, public interest grew, and the grounds began to serve as a picnic area. Kings Oscar I and Oscar II undertook repairs and renovations, but it wasn't until the reign of Gustav V that significant restorations returned the palace to its 18th-century appearance. Today, Drottningholm Palace is the residence of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, with parts open to the public. The palace features a church, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, which remains in use, and the Drottningholm Palace Theatre, known for its summer opera festivals. The grounds boast a variety of gardens, including a Baroque garden established in the 17th century and an English landscape garden initiated by Gustav III, showcasing statues and scenic vistas that enhance the beauty of this historic site."

"⭐⭐⭐ If you have some extra time on your hands, definitely consider visiting the royal palace. It's a little commute from Stockholm but really worth it for a nice walk in the gardens. "