Situated on Slottsholmen ("Castle Islet") in Malmö, Sweden, Malmö Castle is the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Constructed between 1526 and 1539, it has served various roles—from a royal residence and mint to a prison and now a museum complex.
Origins: The original fortress was established in 1434 by King Eric of Pomerania.
Reconstruction: After destruction during the Count’s Feud, King Christian III rebuilt it in the 1530s in a Danish Gothic/Renaissance style.
Prison Era: From 1828 to 1909, the castle functioned as a prison, notably housing James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell.
Today, Malmö Castle is part of the Malmö Museums, offering diverse exhibitions:
Malmö Art Museum: Features Nordic art collections.
Natural History Exhibits: Showcases Swedish flora and fauna.
Aquarium: Home to various aquatic species.
Historical Exhibitions: Displays artifacts from different eras, including the castle's own history.
The castle is surrounded by picturesque gardens and a moat, offering a serene environment for visitors to explore.