Knight's House


Gamla Stan, the same Old Town - the heart of the history of Stockholm . Its cobbled streets and ancient houses create an incredible atmosphere, which now and then passes a passerby in the Middle Ages. Many dreamers will find their vent here. Who in the childhood did not dream to be the knight saving the noble lady? Or a charming princess, dancing in a dance at a ball next to a gallant gentleman? Partly embody these aspirations will help you Knights' House in Stockholm, a grand and pompous building, once served for the meetings of the nobility.

A piece of history

The building dates back to the 17th century. By decree of the State Chancellor in 1641, they began to erect a structure, the main purpose of which was the holding of knightly meetings and similar events. The author of the project was the architect Simon de Ballet, with some improvements and changes from Justus Wingbones. But the final form was given to the building by the son of the designer - Jean de Ballet.

Architecture and interior decoration of the Knights' House in Stockholm

The Swedish analogue of the English House of Lords appears before the eyes of tourists in the form of a majestic Renaissance building. The conciseness of details and the completeness of the forms evoke a sense of aesthetic pleasure even among those who do not understand anything about architecture. The most notable features of the building are:

  1. Main entrance. It is crowned with an inscription that is in some way the motto of the institution - CLARIS MAIORUM EXEMPLIS, which in Latin means: "After a clear example of ancestors."
  2. The monument to Gustav Adolf II , the Swedish king, who became famous not only as a reasonable ruler, but also a great military leader and ideological inspirer of Napoleon Bonaparte himself. The sculpture is in front of the entrance to the Knight's House.
  3. The roof arches of the structure are decorated with sculptural compositions symbolizing "Nobility, Diligence, Courage" and "Honor, Prudence and Power". In the building itself is a pompous double staircase.
  4. The tourists can appreciate the interior decoration by hitting the Knight's House in Stockholm . Laconism and restraint of external appearance are preserved in the design of the premises. In the front hall, the decoration of the walls deserves special attention. Here you can see over 2 thousand generic arms of noble families. Giving to the grandeur of the hall of the statue of Gustav Vaza and Axel Oksensherna, and from local artifacts - a wooden black armchair of 1623, decorated with carvings.

Tourists are allowed to go there at strictly certain times - from 11 to 12 hours on weekdays, as the Knight's House still functions as a meeting place for the Swedish nobility. Moreover, the names of those who have the right to attend these events are stamped on copper plates in the central hall of the building.

How to get to the Knight's House in Stockholm?

You can reach this place by bus №3, 53, 55, 57, 59 to the Riddarhustorget stop. The nearest metro station - Gamla Stan - is just a few blocks from the Knight's House.