Västerås Castle, Västerås, Sweden

Västerås Castle was built in the 13th century. The castle taken over by Gustav Vasa was in poor condition after battles and sieges so during the middle of the 16th century he altered and extended it. In 1544 the government gave the Crown Prince, Prince Erik, his own quarters in the castle, “The Young Man’s Apartment”. Later the castle was to be his prison.

From 14 June 1573 to 16 October 1574 Erik XIV was imprisoned in Västerås castle. He sat in “the dark prison”, always separated from his wife, Karin Månsdotter and his child. The dethroned king moved to Örbyhus shortly before his death, from poisoned pea soup says the story, but later his body was brought back to Västerås for burial in the cathedral.

Västmanland’s county museum is today housed in Västerås Castle including the county archive, library and administration. The museums objectives are to deepen knowledge of Västmanländ’s cultural heritage, to facilitate and encourage interest, to deepen insight into the past and thereby enrich perspectives of the present and the future.

References:

Stockholm Västerås Flygplats

User Reviews

Christer Sandahl (9 months ago)
This castle is very old, from the beginning, in 12th century, only an administrative and prison building. Early on the Swedish kings established here. As the north hills of Västerås were found to be very mineral rich, it became the shipping harbour of ore, and the castle expanded to a squared castle like building. But to be honest, not very interesting.

Joshi Princy (13 months ago)
Pretty site..feel calm and refreshing..best for walking around

Beth C (3 years ago)
Old and well preserved.

Somesh Pathak (5 years ago)
Nothing like a castle. Just a gallery of few photos.

Jamie Goatman (5 years ago)
Nice place with a lot of history.

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