Västerås Castle

Västerås Castle, known locally as Västerås slott, is a magnificent historical edifice located at the mouth of the Svartån river in Västerås, Sweden. This castle, with its formidable presence and rich history, has been a significant landmark since its inception in the 12th century. Once a royal residence during the Vasa era, Västerås Castle now serves as the residence of the governor of Västmanland County, blending historical grandeur with contemporary functionality.

The Medieval Origins of Västerås Castle

The history of Västerås Castle is deeply intertwined with the development of Västerås, which was originally known as Västra Aros. In the mid-12th century, Västra Aros became a bishop's seat, and by the 13th century, it had evolved into a crucial shipping port for the Bergslagen region, rivalling Stockholm in importance within the Mälaren Valley. Recognizing the need for a fortified stronghold to protect the king's bailiff and serve as a residence, a four-story keep was constructed at the mouth of the Svartån river. This keep, with its top floor designed for archery, still stands today in the northeastern corner of the current castle.

Throughout the medieval period, Västerås Castle was embroiled in numerous conflicts, leading to its expansion and reinforcement over time. The castle played a pivotal role during the Union Wars in the 15th and early 16th centuries. It was the first state fortress captured by Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson's forces during the rebellion. The castle was taken by Archbishop Jöns Bengtsson in 1457 and besieged by Christian I in 1464, although the latter attempt was unsuccessful. In 1522, after a year-long siege, Gustav Vasa successfully captured the castle, marking a significant turning point in its history.

The Vasa Era and Royal Residence

Under the rule of Gustav Vasa, Västerås Castle was transformed into a royal residence. The castle hosted several important parliamentary sessions, including the 1527 Riksdag, which marked the introduction of Protestantism and the severance of ties with the Catholic Church. Another significant parliamentary session in 1544 established Sweden as a hereditary monarchy and sanctioned the creation of a domestically recruited military force, a project already initiated by Gustav Vasa.

During the period from 1540 to 1544, extensive renovations were undertaken at Västerås Castle. A new royal apartment was constructed atop the old one in the eastern wing, creating the current main entrance, and the western wing was elevated. Johan III continued the building works in the late 1570s, adding a large state hall and a castle church. In 1573, the deposed King Erik XIV was imprisoned in Västerås Castle for a year, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the fortress.

Decline and Restoration

The death of Karl X Gustav's mother, Countess Palatine Catherine of Zweibrücken, in 1638 marked the end of Västerås Castle as a royal residence. With no royal occupants, the castle gradually fell into disrepair. However, in the late 17th century, restoration efforts began under the direction of architect Mathias Spieler, a close associate of Jean de la Vallée and Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. During the wars of Karl XII, the castle was used to house prisoners of war, with the last prisoner leaving in 1857.

A fire in 1736 devastated the castle, destroying all its Vasa-era interiors. The blaze spread to nearby timber and half-timbered houses, causing widespread damage. The castle was repaired and expanded in the mid-1740s under the direction of architect Carl Hårleman, with the work completed in the 1750s. The 19th century saw further interior modifications, and in the 1920s, a restoration led by Västerås city architect Erik Hahr focused on the state hall and adjacent spaces. Since 1889, the Västmanland County Antiquities Association has housed its collections in the castle. Another significant renovation occurred in 1965-66 under architect Nils Tesch, after which the Västmanland County Museum moved in, remaining until 2010.

Västerås Castle Today

Today, Västerås Castle stands as a testament to Sweden's rich history and architectural resilience. A portion of the castle has been modernized and converted into the residence of the county governor. Additionally, parts of the castle are currently leased by Mälardalen University, which uses the space for chamber music activities.

Visiting Västerås Castle offers a unique glimpse into Sweden's past, from its medieval origins and royal connections to its role in significant historical events. The castle's imposing structure, combined with its beautiful location by the Svartån river, makes it a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. Whether you're exploring the ancient keep, admiring the architectural enhancements from various eras, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Västerås Castle promises an enriching and captivating experience.