Castles in Scania
Barsebäck Castle
Barsebäck Castle has existed in various versions at its present location since the 12th century. It received its current shape during a major renovation and rebuilding in 1889 and 1940. The current main structure is a three-story 19th-century reconstruction in Dutch Renaissance style, made to resemble the many original Renaissance castles still remaining in the Scanian landscape. After the Scanian War, Barsebäc ...Jordberga Castle
Jordberga estate was first mentionedin 1355. The original castle was destroyed by fire in 1644 and rebuilt. The current Baroque-style exterior dates from 1906-1908, when the castle was rebuilt according the design of Danish architect Heneri Glaesel. The park is an English-style garden and dates from the mid-19th century. Today castle is owned by Otto von Arnold, member of the Swedish Riksdag.Karsholm Castle
Karsholm Castle was first time mentioned in 1336. The current exterior originates from 1862, when the castle was reconstructed to the neo-Renaissance style by Rudolf Hodder Stjernswärd. Today the castle is owned by Treschow family and in private use.Klågerup Castle
The history of Klågerup estate dates from the early 15th century, when it was owned by Peter Spoldener and his son. In the 18th century buildings were in bad shape and in 1737 Fredrik Trolle started an extensive restoration. The present main building got its appearance in 1858, when it was rebuilt to the French Renaissance style by architect Helgo Zettervall. Klågerup was a center of local peasant riots in 181 ...Rosendal Palace
Rosendal Palace was built 1615 by Privy Council Anders Bille. The Bennet family has owned the palace for centuries. The castle consists of main building and wings with towers in corners.Råbelöv Castle
The oldest known owner of Råbelöv estate was Ingeborg Kjeldsen Krognos, who was born in the mid-1300s. In the 1616 it was sold to Christoffer Ulfeldt, who built the current castle in 1637. During the Scanian War in 1677 Råbelöv was fortified by the order of Danish Crown against Swedish forces. After several owners Råbelöv belongs today to Murray family and is in private use.Ovesholm Castle
The first known owner of Ovesholm estate was Åke Holm in 1580. In 1620 Ove Urup built an earlier main building near to the current site. In 1774 it was donated to Henning Reinhold Wrangel and his son Carl Adam Wrangel af Adinal built the present castle between 1792-1804. Carl Adam also created a notable library and collection of art and sculptures to Ovesholm. The latest enlargement was made by Axel Hugo Raoul Hamil ...Össjö Castle
The current main building of Össjö Castle was built in 1814 after the previous was destroyed by fire. The two wings, dating from 1766 and 1770s survived from the fire. The Össjö history dates from the 16th century, when it belonged to the powerful Danish Krabbe family. Today it is privately owned and not open to the public.Osbyholm Castle
The farm Ousbygård was first mentioned in 1405, but the current Osbyholm castle was built in the first half of the 17th century by Lene Ramel. The square-formed castle is surrounded by a moat and there is a rare octagonal tower, which dates from the 1570s. The castle was damaged in the Scanian War (1675-1679). Captain Georg Christian Cook started the major restoration in 1750s. The castle was enlarged and the interior w ...Rössjöholm Castle
The first known owner of Rössjöholm castle was Danish knight Olof Geed around the year 1500. Later it was owned for example by Leijonsköld, Silfverskiöld, Sjöcrona families. The first strong castle was built in 1553 and it had even seven towers. The castle was destroyed by Swedish forces in 1676, but some ruins of this castle still remains. The new main building was built in 1696, but it was destr ...Skabersjö Castle
Skabersjö Castle was already known in the 14th century, when it was a residence of Passow and Ulfstrand families. The old moated castle was burned down in 1523 and rebuilt by Holger Ulfstand. The current castle, which consists of two-storey main building and two wings, dates mainly from the 18th century. Governor Tage Thott made an extensive restoration in 1775-1782. Today the castle is owned by Skabersjö gods AB founda ...Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings
Historic Site of the week
Kirkjubøargarður
Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.
The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.
Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.
The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.
Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.