- Address: Kållandsö, 531 99 Lidköping, Sweden
- Contact phone: +46 510 48 46 60
- Website: www.lackoslott.se
- Year of construction: 1298
The ancient medieval castle of Lekeux is one of the magnificent buildings that attract your gaze with its unusual architecture. Swedish castles are generally considered to be the country's main attractions , and Lekeu is among them a rich history and exposition.
Location:
Lekeux Castle is located in the historic province of Västra-Goeteland, in the vicinity of the small town of Lidköping, on the island of Collandsø. In turn, the island is located on Lake Vänern - the largest in Sweden .
History of creation
For the first time in this place, the castle was built in 1298 thanks to the efforts of Bishop Scar, Brinolf Algotsson. In the XIV century it was completely rebuilt, and in the 1470s. The castle was badly damaged in the fire, and in its place a fortress was built with 2 towers on each side. Further, for several centuries the castle changed owners several times, moving from one aristocratic dynasty to another. The project was constantly changed, but perhaps the most significant restructuring took place under the Chancellor of Delagardi in 1615, which made the castle a masterpiece of baroque. In 1684, it received its name in honor of one of the owners. In 1914 Leke was transferred to the state administration, and in 1968 it was completely reconstructed. Since 1993, it is recognized as a national monument, it is now in charge of the National Council of Property of Sweden.
What is interesting about Leko Castle?
First of all, it is worth noting the very picturesque place where the castle of Leko is located. The island of Collandsø on one side is washed by the waters of Lake Vänern, and on the other is the Göta Canal , along which cruise excursions take place . During the trip to the castle, the bridge feels like it is hanging over the water. And then you find yourself in an old and majestic structure and get into spacious halls, each of which has its own distinctive features. They are united only by the fact that almost all the interior of the castle is made in the Baroque style.
In recent years, more and more pieces of art and antique furniture have been returned to Lek,, which were sold at auctions in the 19th century. Therefore, the exposure is constantly updated. The greatest interest inside the castle of Leko is represented by:
- Big hall;
- Knight's Hall, which houses an impressive collection of medieval weapons;
- The hall of painting with ancient paintings, military canvases, portraits of Swedish families, etc .;
- The State Hall, decorated with a fresco on the ceiling, depicting the gods of Olympus, and portraits of European kings on the walls;
- The stone hall, which is the former reception room of King Gustav VI, richly decorated with tapestries with types of coronation;
- home church of the XVII century, bright and spacious inside, decorated with elements in the Baroque style.
In summer, the castle of Leké is open to visitors. There are tours in different languages, various exhibitions from medieval to modern art and opera staging in the courtyard. You can take a stroll around the castle, look at the wonderful garden, built according to the idea of the architect Carlo Carova, or relax in a cozy restaurant.
How to get there?
To get to the castle of Leko, you have to first get to the city of Lidkoping. It has an airport , a railway station and a jetty, so you can get here without problems from other cities of the country. The distance from Stockholm to Lidkoping is 290 km, from Gothenburg - 110 km. Further to the castle, take the tour bus on the only bridge that connects the island of Collandsjo with the land.