| History |
Gustav Vasa began construction of Uppsala Slott in 1549, and the castle was the location of a major event of Swedish history known as the "Riksmöte". Gustav Vasa started his politically vital tour ("Eriksgata") of the realm of Sweden from Uppsala Slott, and the castle was destined to play a major role for many years in the history of Sweden and of Uppsala.
Important events that have taken place at the castle include "Sturemorden" in 1567 (the murder by the mentally ill King Erik XIV of several noblemen accused of treason), and the decision by Gustav II Adolf that Sweden should participate in what would later develop into the Thirty Years' War. It was in the Rikssal in the castle that Schering Rosenhane announced the abdication of Queen Kristina on 6 June, 1654.
The castle was seriously damaged by fire in 1702, being reduced essentially to a ruin. Reconstruction took many years, and was indeed hampered by the remains of the castle being used as a quarry for stone to be used in building Stockholm Palace.
The castle was the administrative centre of Uppland for many years, and is today the residence of the County Governor of Uppsala County.
Rikssalen, the former Hall of State, whose uses have included that of drying closet for the governor's wife, was restored in 1932 and is now Uppsala's most glittering festive location. |
