Kronoberg Castle
Kronoberg Castle Photo - Jorg Hempel -
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Castle Facts:
Location: Smaland, Sweden.
Built: 1444.
Condition: Ruin.
Ownership / Access: --
Notes: Kronoberg Castle is a medieval ruin located on an island in lake Helgasjon, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the town of Vaxjo in Smaland, Sweden. Kronoberg County, in which it is located, was named after the castle.
In 1444 Lars Mikaelson, the bishop of Vaxjo, built a stone building on the lakeshore. During the Dano-Swedish War of 1470-71, Danish forces destroyed the house. It was reconstructed and fortified after peace was restored in 1472. During the Swedish Reformation the castle and its estate were confiscated by Gustav I.
In 1542, during the Dacke War, Kronoberg was taken over by rebels led by Nils Dacke. The revolt was suppressed in 1543, and control reverted to the crown. Due to its strategic location near the border between Sweden and Denmark at the time, the castle was further fortified, and became a stronghold in this part of Smaland.
The king's son John III ordered additional improvements that never were carried out. The castle had great military significance during the Northern Seven Years' War (1564-70). In the winter of 1568, Eric XIV used Kronoborg as a support point while beating back a Danish attack from Skane. In 1570 the castle was successfully besieged and burned by the Danes. Between 1576 and 1580 construction continued, after which the castle had at least 50 cannon. Duke Charles continued work on the fortifications, but in the end of January 1612 the castle was again taken and burned by Danish troops under Breide Rantzau. Reconstruction was not started until 1616.
As late as the reign of Charles XI Kronoberg castle was in good condition. However, after the Treaty of Roskilde was signed in 1658, the Swedish-Danish border was moved to Oresund, and Kronoberg castle lost its military significance. Neglected, the building began to decay and became a ruin.
The castle ruin is open to tourists in the summer months. It is located just short drive from Vaxjo, Sweden.
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