Wrangel Palace, on Riddarholmen in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, has been the seat of Sweden's highest court for over two centuries since 1756. The Svea Court of Appeal has called this palace home since then. But it has a longer history that predates its time as a courthouse. The southern tower was part of Gustav Vasa's defense fortifications from the 1530s. Around 1630, this mansion was transformed into a palace for Lars Sparre. From 1652 to 1670, the palace was rebuilt and expanded by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder for Count Carl Gustaf Wrangel.
After a fire in 1693, it was rebuilt and expanded again, this time to accommodate a royal residence following the devastating fire at Tre Kronor Castle in 1697. Wrangel Palace was the official residence of the royal family and court from 1697 until 1754, making it ‘Kungshuset’ (The King’s House) during that period. From 1756 to 1928, the palace housed the Statskontoret (Office of State). In 1802, the palace had to be rebuilt once again after a fire.
This time the architect was C.G. Gjörwell. Today, the palace stands as a testament to Swedish history, with the Svea Court of Appeal continuing to meet within its walls.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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