Vadstena Castle was originally built by King Gustav I in 1545 as a fortress to protect Stockholm from enemies approaching from the south. Indeed it looks massive and strong today as well.
By 1620, when the castle was completed, all the kings of the House of Vasa had contributed to its construction. Since 1620, the castle has been very well preserved, and is one of Sweden’s best examples of Renaissance architecture.
In the fog and greyness, it looks stern and almost hostile – but in the evening sun, I could almost imagine a Cinderella somewhere…
Vadstena Abbey, close by, was the motherhouse of the Bridgettine Order. The abbey started on one of the farms donated to it by the king, but the town of Vadstena grew up around it. It was active from 1346 until 1595, but there are still a handful of nuns here.
The castle on the left hand side and the abbey on the upper right hand (The red dot: Här är du!)
The Abbey is now turned into a hotel – and a beautiful one. The different houses decorated in different styles, and we stayed at ”The Castle Villa” in Jugend style.
We had breakfast under the old vaults, and I had some difficulties in resisting the pots for sale. Swedish design inspired by China.
Leya 
Very impressive buildings.
I believe they are – always impressed with what they could do so many centuries away.
Yes, a lot of man-power!
Amazing images and information, again! You have inspired me to look into a question I have always had; ” How is it, that the moat surrounding the castle, does not some how do damage over the years? – thanks for another great read with images!
Thank you! Please enlighten me of your findings!
Will do!
Interesting place, A C….and some ofthose pots look like Portmeirion…..
They do!
And are they??
No…
😀😀
That is stunning. I love these little pieces of history, still left standing.
In use! Old archives are here and museums – and cafe’s of course…
Wow. That is one magnificent castle and it does look every bit the fortress. Very quaint. It is interesting to note that back in the day, things were built for either protection or as a gift for someone else, whereas these things buildings are often built for commercial purposes and not so much commemoration. Wonderful captures, Leya. Looks like the weather is finally warming up for you and summer is here. Hopefully many more lovely days for you 🙂
Thank you, dear Mabel. Interesting thoughts as usual! And the weather – well it has been summer for a month now. Between 23 and 31 degrees C every day. Wild fires rage and all flowers are over in no-time…Sorry about the lost Spring really. And sorry about complaining…
It all looks very beautiful. Great to read the link about the Bridgettine Order.
I am glad you found it interesting – but I guessed you maybe would!
Light makes all the difference…… But what a place to stay, fantastic. 🙂
Loved it.
I can imagine how It is so lovely to stay in such an historic place.
It is – I think you would have liked it too!
I know I would