The Drottningholm Palace Garden are raised above the water and contribute significantly to Europe’s design and landscape. Behind them are the elegant walls of the Chinese summer house and lime trees. In addition, Drottningholm Gardens showcase the cultural heritage of Sweden. Many poets have commemoratively symbolized Drottningholm gardens with Sweden’s Age of Greatness.
The gardens are built over Lake Malaren, known as the “island of the queen,” in the heart of Sweden’s capital Stockholm. Apart from the royal residence, the garden is a famous tourist destination. In the Drottningholm palace gardens, one can witness numerous historical and artistic ideals from the 17th century to the 21st.
Gardens of Drottningholm Palace
The widespread areas surrounding the palace and the castle buildings are the major tourist attractions. Drottningholm palace gardens were built for Queen Hedwig Eleonora. Drottningholm gardens are adjacent to the Drottningholm palace, which has been the royal residence of the Swedish royal family since the 1660s. Queen Hedwig Eleonora ordered sculptures for the gardens. Many of the statues in the gardens are from Prague and Denmark and were produced by the sculptor Adrian de Vries.
The Baroque Garden of Drottningholm Gardens
Baroque Gardens are situated right outside the main palace and are the oldest gardens created in the 17th century. Palace architects Nicodemus Tessin took on the management work of the construction. The Baroque gardens surround the four rows of tall, greenish lime trees. The architects of the Drottningholm gardens were inspired by the design of the gardens in France. Like the France gardens, the plants of the Drottningholm gardens are organized, ordered, and symmetrically planted.
In addition to the limes, a parterre de broderie surrounds the palace. Furthermore, there are 12 smaller fountains around the Hercules fountain that create a backdrop water star when gloomed all together, flanked by thick tree avenues with numerous statues scattered throughout the area.
The bronze sculptures in the gardens are copies of originals by Dutch sculptors. The elaborate gardens were neglected along with other gardens in the 19th century. But later, Gustaf Adolf of Sweden took the initiative to restore the garden in the 1950s.
English Garden and the Chinese Pavilion of Drottningholm Gardens
After coming into power in 1777, Gustav introduced new park design trends, adding two pond canal islands and beautiful bridges with vast lawns and grooved tree lines. Natural pawed pathways of the park gave romantic walkthroughs and panoramic views across the countryside.
In the middle of the 18th century, the gardens surrounding the Chinese pavilion were built. Inspired by the Chinese Pavilion, Queen Lovisa added walkways lined with chestnut trees that added beauty to the Chinese landscape and welcomed various photographers to the garden. In addition, large cages of exotic birds gave the gardens a wild, natural forest look.
The Swedish Royal Residence of Drottningholm Garden
The Drottningholm palace had served as the residence place for the Swedish royal family during different decades. Currently, the west wing of the palace has been used by the Swedish family as their primary residence since 1981. As the royal family resides inside the palace, the Swedish military is also guarding them. Besides the residential wing, all other areas of the garden are accessible to the general public and are open to tourists as well.
Church and Theatre of Drottningholm Palace Garden
Drottningholm palace gardens have an inbuilt church designed by Nicodemus Tessin and his son in 1746. The gardens have a holy value and promote religious harmony because the church
Popular for its summer opera festivals, the opera house theatre in the heart of the palace was constructed in the 18th century. From the 18th century until now, the theatre has been naturally preserved in its original state and machinery. In addition, the theatre of the palace serves as the host for various guest gatherings and performances.
Major Renovations of the Drottningholm Palace
The palace had undergone several renovations and remodels under different rules and commands. Of all the upgrades done in the past 400 years, the most considerable renovations were done between 1907 and 1913. These renovations included HVAC installation, roof replacement, and other upgrades. In 1977, significant areas of the palace were rebuilt and reconstructed, including the refurbishment of the hallway and library, and the interior design fire protection system was also installed. Finally, in the early years of 2000, work began to restore the exterior walls and add detailing to the landscaping of the palace, which was completed in 2002.
Final Words
Drottningholm Palace Gardens are the 16th century historical landscape of Sweden. The gardens have served as the residence of the royals’ Swedish families. Combining the exotic Chinese pavilion with the minimalist baroque and modern English gardens added magnificent charm and beauty to the palace gardens. The gardens were included in UNESCO’s list of valuable landmarks and named Sweden’s first world heritage site in 1991.
The unique theatre, church, and various historic sculptures add cultural value to the garden. The garden is open to the local public and tourists annually.
