Assignment #3

     Hello everyone, it's time for me to write about our third excursion to Kalmar Castle. Our group visited Kalmar Castle June 10th. This trip was split between the castle and the glass factory Costa Boda, though I'm only going to address Kalmar Castle in this. Kalmar Castle started as a round defensive tower and a habor during the 12th century. It wasn't until King Magnus Ladulås had a fortress built around it at the end of the 13th century that it became the structure we recognize today. Kalmar Castle has played an important role in Swedish history since it's construction as a defensive tower. 

    One of the most signifigent events in Swedish history took place at Kalmar Castle in 1397. Queen Margaret I of Denmark (dubbed the Lady King) organized the union of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland known as the Kalmar Union. Kalmar Castle has a long history including many battles, sieges, and royal lineages. Another notable event took place in 1520, when Anna Eriksdotter (Bielke) took control of the fiefs after her husband's death and defended Kalmar against Denmark during the rebellion against Denmark. The castle also has an extensive history of remodeling and periods of disrepair. Though the Renaissance style seen in the castle was designed through the efforts of King Gustav I and his sons King Erik XIV and King John III. The silhouette we recognize today was designed between 1885 and 1891 by the architect Carl Möller. 

    I possess exactly one image of Kalmar Castle, as all of my other pictures were taken by film camera. My image is of the canopied Dolphin Well. 

    This well was designed in the Renaissance era. The Lion statues all have their noses knocked off, which could very likely be from the belief that the nose carries the soul, so to avoid curses or to desecrate symbols of power, the noses are knocked off.  

    Another part of Kalmar Castle's uniqueness is that exhibitions of art that are shown there. When we visited, there was a video and light show in one of the large halls that displayed impressionistic paintings to classical music and quotes from famous impressionists. The only furniture that is original to the castle is the bed in the Queen's room. You can also see the myriad of locks on the King's study, as King Erick XIV was a very paranoid man and worried about the line of succession, which he was right to be as he was deposed by his brother King John III. He suffered from insanity, and was likely killed by arsenic poisoning after he had been captured during his brother's rebellion. 

    I found Kalmar Castle to be fascinating. I especially enjoyed the extensive history and the locations on the coast, as the grounds were beautiful. My favorite part of this trip was getting to learn about Queen Margaret I of Denmark, as I think she is an incredible Queen. Kalmar is my favorite castle that we visited on this trip, and I am very glad to have spent my time there.