Penningby Castle

Norrtälje, Sweden

Penningby Castle is one of the most well-preserved castles from the early Vasa era. Penningby Manor is first mentioned in the 1330s. To the northeast is an overgrown ruin castle with a moat, which may be the remains of a predecessor to the castle. Its earliest owners included Lord Tord Bonde, burgrave of Raasepori and margrave of Viipuri castles. In late 15th century, a fortress was built by its owners, initiated by Lady Birgitta Tordsdotter Bonde, daughter of Tord Karlsson (Bonde), Lord High Constable of Sweden. The medieval castle was a so-called twin house unusual in its placement near the sea coast.

The immense tower was erected just before 1550s under Lord Lars Turesson, Tre Rosor. In his time, the eastern façade got a new entrance. Later, the sea tower got its round salon, arguably the most beautiful room in the castle.

In 1805 countess Maria Juliana von Rosen had the castle garden recreated in a so-called English style. In 1831, a fire destroyed the interiors of the castle, but parts of it, for example the ceiling, were restored, and the tower was modified. A section of the medieval walls are yet left. A restoration was carried out from 1951 to 1953. Penningby castle was declared a national cultural heritage (byggnadsminne) in 1980. Today the castle is not inhabited, but visitors may have access to it in summer season.

Olof Persson Stille, one of the early settlers in New Sweden, was employed on the Penningby Manor. In 1641 Olof Stillé, a millwright by trade, was the original owner of the area which is today Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Stillé was one of the four commissaries or magistrates appointed to administer justice among local inhabitants, and thus became a judge of the first court on the banks of the Delaware River.

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Address

276, Norrtälje, Sweden
See all sites in Norrtälje

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Sweden
Historical period: Kalmar Union (Sweden)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

3.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Marianne Schröder (2 years ago)
Värt ett besök, även om man bara tittar på utsidan! Syns att det är från "Vasatiden"!
Maria Sandström (2 years ago)
Fascinerande slott med lång historia. Den långa guidade turen var väldigt bra :-)
Andreas Turku (2 years ago)
Trevlig guide, lite ytlig beskrivning av 600 års historia på en timme. Värt pengarna ändå!
Roger Siegenthaler (2 years ago)
Interesting history, nice lands around it but very small in comparison to others. Privately owned but had a great tour guide (check for Ingrid).
Noa González Borrajo (2 years ago)
Nice place, but it seems that it is just opened in July. Thats a pity as it seems beautiful.
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