Penningby castle

Penningby Castle ( _sv. Penningby slott) is a medieval-period private castle located in Länna, Norrtälje Municipality in Uppland, 10 kilometres north of Stockholm, Sweden.

One of the most well-preserved castles from the Vasa era, the Penningby manor is first mentioned in the 1380s. Its earliest owners included Lord Tord Bonde, burgrave of Raasepori and margrave of Viipuri.

In late 15th century, a fortress was built by its owners, initiated by Lady Birgitta Tordsdotter Bonde, daughter of Tord Bonde II, 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.

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 summers.

See also

* Penningby runstone (U 524)

External links

* [http://www.penningbyslott.se/ Official site]
* [http://www.norrtalje.se/templates/page____3784.aspx Norrtälje Municipality - Penningby slott]
* [http://stockholms.lans.museum/bilder/fotoreg3.cfm?in_plats=Penningby Stockholm County Administrative Board - Photos of Penningby slott]