Visingsborg Castle Ruins, Visingsö, Sweden

The foundations of Visingsborg Castle date from 1560s. It was square formed with a moat four towers. The Brahe Family lived in Visingsborg Castle during the 16th and 17th centuries. During their time was one of the most impressive buildings in Sweden. Sculptures and paintings embellished the walls and a large number of books filled the library. The castle also had an armoury that equipped up to 800 soldiers. Outside the walls were large orchards and gardens.The Visingsborg Castle was empty for several years after the death of Count Per Brahe the Younger in 1680. Later, in the early 18th century, it was used as a camp for Russian war prisoners. It is said that it was these prisoners who finally burnt down the castle in 1718. What is left today is only the left wing.

References:

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User Reviews

Denon (2 years ago)
Nice energetic place, you can rest here and fell the energy

Lewis Liu (3 years ago)
An interesting old ruin on the island, the view around us very beautiful and pleasant. I would suggest anyone who’s interested to visit it. You could also check the photos I took, I hope it will help you decide. However, the island isn’t as small as I thought, you better have some kind of transportation on the island. Could be your own car or you could also take the horse and carriage. I’m just going back now I’m gonna morning you want anything I just don’t know if it’s okay but you know what I’m talking too and it’s like you know you don’t have any money but I’m gonna you want you to be there at the house I your family I know that I do that but you gotta was a little too nervous about the kids that we had together but you didn’t tell you I wanna talk now.

Atila K (3 years ago)
Really nice views and it's open 24h.

Micheal Ulasi (3 years ago)
This is a very nice place to have family picnic or just relax with your loved ones.

Sue DelSignore (3 years ago)
beautiful ruins with overlook of the original and in use harbour of the island. History plaques are placed around the ruins. Great place to picnic around the base of the ruins with fire pits to the north of the castle. Beautiful backdrop for weddings or wedding pictures.

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Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

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In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

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