Nynäs Castle: A Grand Manor's Dramatic History

For seven centuries, a grand manor has stood on Nynäs, a former rose-growing district in Sörmland, south of Stockholm. Nynäs Castle, a place steeped in drama and politics, has been the center of intrigue and controversy. In 1844, the current caretaker bought the manor, and now, after nearly twenty years, the Castle is set to reopen to the public. The 1907 orangery serves as a hub, with a restaurant, exhibitions, and a gardening shop. The Castle gardens are set to reopen at the end of May 2022. The new owner, Katarina Widell, plans to restore the main manor and rent it to those seeking a break from the world.

The main building, the oldest part of the complex, was initially constructed in the mid-17th century by Åke and Karl Gyllenstierna. Historians believe people have lived on the estate since the Iron Age. The Estate was first documented in the 1328 letter, when Birgitta ‘daughter of Jon’ and her husband Knight Peder Ragvaldson owned the place.

Over the years, the Gyllenstierna, Gripsten, and Bonde families have owned and inhabited the estate. The Gripsten and Bonde families, particularly known for their collections of paintings and summer residencies, were at the heart of many controversies and trials. Their dramas extend far beyond the estate's official history, offering a unique key to a deeper understanding of Nynäs Castle.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons