The history of Venngarn manor dates to the 12th century. After several owners it was acquired by crown in 1555. Gustav II Adolphus donated Venngarn to Franz von Thurn Berendt and his son sold it to Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie in 1653. The late 17th century was a golden age for Venngarn castle. The present castle was built mainly in 1670 by the architect Jean de la Vallée.
As a chancellor and the leader in Charles XI's regency, De la Gardie was Sweden's most important politicians. Unfortunately for him, due the king's reduction De la Gardie had to return Venngarn later to the crown. Since 1686 the state of Sweden has leased Venngarn castle for several families and purposes. In 1916 a central government institution for alcoholism treatment was established at Venngarn. In 1997 it was sold to its current owners, Wenngarn AB.
There is also a notable chapel in the castle. When the crown took Venngarn 1686, the chapel was completely untouched. None have been added and only a few details have been lost since then. Thus, the chapel one of the country's best preserved church from the Age of Greatness. It was prepared by the De la Gardie, and presumably he also has hired Jean de la Vallee as an architect.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.