August 6, 2008...(Day 14)...We spent two nights with Amanda's lovely Aunt Kerstin. She was a wonderful hostess and a great cook!

Welcome To Kalmar Slott: Kalmar Castle is the next stop on our Sweden tour. I had marked this castle in my travel guide as a place to see, and luckily Amanda's Aunt Kerstin lived within a few minutes drive of it. In fact, Amanda's father, and his siblings, grew up in the city of Kalmar. I think I might have turned into a history buff had I lived in a city like this when growing up. Can you imagine the dreams this castle would have created in your imagination? Ooh...this brings to mind my oldest, most recurrent childhood dream (from when I was about 7 years old) of riding with a prince on a magic carpet all over a great medieval kingdom. Awesome...

Kalmar Castle Signpost: This sign shows the modern day castle in all its glory. This castle guarded the city of Kalmar during many wars. It is a stunningly ornate castle. I oohhed and aahhed my way through it.

Kalmar Castle: This castle was founded in the 12th century. It lies on the edge of the eastern coast of Sweden, and was a flourishing trading post. A union was formed between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden at this location in 1397. This union lasted for 130 years, after which many battles were fought here.

Castle Reflection: I couldn't get enough of this castle. It was so beautiful, and the reflection was lovely.

Kalmar Castle view from outer grounds: Okay...I was getting really excited to view one of the best known, and possibly the most beautiful castle in all of Sweden.

Primary Wall: This was a primary wall (first line of defense) for the castle. We entered through this wall before walking across the moat to the castle proper.

Bridge over Moat: We walked on this bridge to cross a real moat! Whooppee...we are almost to my favorite castle of the trip!

Castle Moat: This photo was taken from the bridge crosses over the moat to the castle. I half expected to see some vicious crocodiles swimming around in there!

Castle Wall Entrance: Now we enter the castle through this short tunnel within the castle wall. This was on the far end of the moat.

Castle Courtyard: The courtyard had various doors through which visitors could enter the castle.

Original Kalmar Castle from 1170: The first tower was built as a part of the defence system. The castle sure has evolved over the years, as have the countries who ruled from it. In fact, the city of Kalmar, and the castle, were under Danish power from 1611 - 1613. The castle also served as a border defense between Sweden and Denmark in the 1600s, until the border was moved southward to its present position in 1658.

King Somebody or Other: I cannot remember which King this is, but he did rule Sweden from Kalmar Castle at one point in history. Fancy dresser, isn't he?

Decorative Walls: There is decorative painting all over the walls. Artists would grind pigment and blend it with a binder. They would break quicklime with carbon black. Then, they would whitewash the walls and decorate them with acanthus leaves.

The Grey Hall: I'm not sure which room this is, but each room in the castle was huge...tall, hand painted walls, highly decorated ceilings, ornate paintings...The castle was renovated in the Renaissance style during the 17th century, because as one governor mentioned,"The old castle is entirely unsuitable to live in, for the winds howl through the halls".

Ceiling Painting: Everywhere we looked there was more artwork. This room (I don't remember which one it was) contained gorgeous ceiling paintings on the old wood paneling.

East India Company Trading Ship: This model is based on a drawing dating back to 1807. You can see Jonathan's reflection in the glass. He truly enjoyed viewing this model which we found on display in one of the rooms we visited in the castle.

Chequered Hall: I don't know what this hall was used for, except that it was next to the Queen's Hall. More ornate woodwork, wall panels, and paintings adorned this room.

Alcove in the King's Chamber: The King's Chamber had gorgeous woodwork as well as gold patterned ceilings. It was in one of the towers of the castle.

Kalmar Castle Chapel: This chapel was remodeled and completed in 1592. In the 1970s, the original stencilled patterns on the walls were found and restored. Aunt Kerstin and Olle investigate the chapel.

Cannon protecting the castle and city: This is one of many cannons that surrounds Kalmar Castle and Kalmar. You can see the island of Oland in the distance.