A Contentious Monument: Charles IX's Bronze Statue at Kungsportsplatsen

Albert Jacobsson, a renowned figure in Gothenburg, gifted the bronze equestrian statue of Charles IX in 1904. Cast by John Börjeson, the statue initially faced resistance when planned for Östra Hamngatan. After being relocated to Kungsportsplatsen in 1904, it underwent a comprehensive restoration between April and October 2018, costing approximately 4.5 million kronor. The city council had considered various alternatives, including Färjenäs, the historical site of the city’s founding in 1607.

The original Göteborgsfyllningen took place on this spot under the leadership of Charles IX. The statue was created using a 12-meter tall provoryttare (temporary model) to find the best spot. A water reservoir was located on the site between 1797 and 1899. In October 1977, the sword carried by the rider was replaced, with the new one weighing around 30kg and measuring 190cm, identical in dimensions to the stolen one. The statue is inscribed with Jehovah solatium meum, which was the king’s motto. Karl den nionde (Charles IX) is depicted on horseback, fully armored.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons