| Välkommen till Örebro slot! The town of Örebro had its first defensive fort built after a band of German merchants settled here in the thirteenth century after being attracted to the areas rich iron ore deposits. It was later enlarged in the fourteenth century by King Magnus Eriksson. As time went on other kings and government officials took advantage of the strategic location and added more fortifications. Eventually the renaissance style fortification became known as Örebro Castle. Many influential people of the time have called the castle home, including the founder of Helsinki and many generals. After the war with the Danes, the medieval castle fell into disuse and became a storehouse and a jail. In the old prison of Örebro Castle you can still see the words of Russian prisoners of war scratched into the stone walls. Another room in the prison was used to store accused witches if they were not drowned in the neighboring river. Today the castle is supposedly full of ghosts. The exterior that we see today is the result of a renovation in the 1890's. The moat, towers, walls, bridge, and roof as well as parts of the interior were completely refinished. The interior has no original furniture but is still very historically important for the people. Today Örebro Castle is a national landmark and can be toured. The surrounding town of Orebro has a population of 143,000 and is popular for tourists in the heart land of Sweden. Tack för besöket! |
http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/sweden/southeast/%c3%b6rebro-castle/