|
Sweden is officially known as the Konungariket Sverige (Kingdom of Sweden). The name derives from the Svear group who first established Sweden as a kingdom in the 6th century. The fourth largest country in Europe, it's largest city and capital is Stockholm, known as the Venice of the North because it is built on 14 different islands.
Equality is very important to the Swedes which is as a direct result of the appalling gap that there was between the rich and the very poor only 100 years ago. Since then there have been rapid changes in an attempt to make all classes, and men and women equal. Hence the Royal Family has a very low profile. Despite stripping the Royal Family of power the people of Sweden still love them and are very patriotic.
Our trip revolved around the capital simply because there is so much to see and because it is so beautiful and friendly. The city was established in the mid 13th century as a trading centre after commercial ties were established with the Hanseatic League (German Traders).
The oldest part of the city is the Gamla Stan. Little has changed here since medieval times. The tiny streets and narrow alley ways are just as they were at the time of the original settlement. This is where the rich merchants lived at the very heart of trading. Produce would be loaded and unloaded just across the street and then sold in the market place only yards away. The merchants coats of arms can still be seen over many doorways.
The original market place was Stortorget which during medieval times would have been packed with German traders, stall holders, servant girls and boys sold and jostled for wares. In 1520 this square was the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath where in three days over 80 nobles, knights and clergy were beheaded or hanged. This is a crucial bit of Swedish history. In 1471 Sweden went to war against the mighty Denmark and won at the battle of Brunkenberg under the leadership of Sten Sture. He said it was like George and the Dragon which is why you will find that statue in the Cathedral. The union with Denmark was dissolved. In 1520 Sten Sture was killed and King Christian II of Denmark was crowned Swedish King and revived the union. He invited all of Sweden's nobles to a giant party in Stortorget Square. Imagine the scene, a few drinks too many, a spy who asks you what you think of this Dane taking over Sweden, a few words in the wrong ear and all of a sudden the King has most of you rounded up and killed.
However a young man called Gustav Eriksson did not go to the party, his family did and were all killed. Gustav fled and rallied support. On June the 6th 1523 he returned defeated Christian II and was declared King Gustav Vasa, on of the most influential Kings the country has ever seen.
Kungliga Slottet, the Royal Palace, is built on the site of the former Tre Kronor Palace (Three Crowns) which burnt down in 1697. The present palace has a friendly rivalry with Buckingham Palace because it has one more room in it than the former town house of the 1st Duke of Buckingham and Normandy. It was finished in 1754.
|
|
