Stockholm

Előszó

The name of Stockholm met for the first time (in Swedish chronicles) in 1252, is assumed to refer to the stocks or logs supporting a bridge over Norrström. The city is believed to have been founded by Birger Jarl, ruler of Sweden during the 13th century, who caused a merchant town to be built where Laké Málar issued into the Baltic, a town that served alsó as a strong defence against his enemies in and outside Sweden. The dominant building in « the City between the bridges » is THE ROYAL PALACE. A fire in 1697 destroyed the originál palace, the « Three Crowns », but Kari XI commissioned Nicodemus Tessin the Younger to erect a new building on the same site. This proved a gigantic task, which took the entire first half of the 18th century. A large number of French and Swedish builders and decorators were employed. The Royal Palace has 550 rooms, and is one of Sweden's most remarkable buildings, containing unique historical monuments and invaluable works of art. Life in modern Stockholm is hectic, but the Changing of the Guard is still a great favourite with Stockholmers as it is with visiting tourists. The sight is as familiar as it is well-beloved: the gay march through the streets of the city, the ceremóniái changing of the guard, the grand military music, and the cheerful mood of the crowd. This is one of Stockholm's finest traditions. The characteristic facade of the CITY HALL, built in this century, is reflected in the waters of Riddarfjárden, only a few hundred yards from the Royal Palace. This is another monumental building, which required enormous investments of money and labour. The Stockholm City Council decided to build it in 1908, but it took the architect, Professor Ragnar Östberg, a full 13 years (1911-1923) to complete his work. His proud creation was finally inaugurated in June 1923, coincidentally with the quatercentenary celebration of the ceremóniái entry of Gustav Vasa, Sweden's first national monarch, into the city. Well-known contemporary painters and sculptors who have helped to decorate the City Hall include Prince Eugen, Carl Eldh, and Christian Eriksson. Stockholm to me is a cornucopia of wonderful things, but I would like, finally, to recommend one very special place: MILLESGÁRDEN. Herserudsklippan on northern Lidingö was for many years the home of the briliiant sculptor Carl Miiles, who created here over the years a unique collection of his own sculptures and classical pieces. I was fortunate enough to meet Milles myself, in the autumn of his life, and his mild considerateness and superb tranquiIlity made an indelible impression of true humanity. The smithied iron gates leading to Millesgárden bear the artists own motto: •< Let me work while the day burns ». I should like these words to welcome those who have not yet found their way to this rare sanctuary of immortal art. Nothing else but to wish you a very pleasant time when you venture out into the city armed with this little booklet. Good luck! Bengt Kyhle Vissza