Akershus, fortress in Norway: description and photo

Akershus is a fortress in Oslo, the main city of Norway. Initially, the structure performed protective functions, but in the 17th century it was given more refined features typical of the Renaissance and Renaissance. Around was a wall. About this fortress we learn a lot of historical facts further from the article.

History of the place

Akershus is a fortress in Norway, founded by Hocon the Holy, famous king. The structure is located on the cape, which is washed by the waters of the Oslo-Forda, thus divided into two bays. Nearby is the Akers River, the structure on the shore of which is called the oldest in the city. It has been here since 1308.

For Scandinavia, it was a stronghold with strategic significance, contributing to the military power of the state. Legend has it that the residence was laid by the king after the attack of Erlingsson Alva, who arrived from Sarpsborg in 1287. Akershus is a fortress (Norway), unique also because before that in this country did not engage in construction of stone and brick, so this was a significant step in the development of architecture. History is silent about when the foundation was laid. This happened approximately in the late thirteenth century.

Mentions

About this object can be learned from written sources created in 1300, namely from the message of Hokon - the king of these lands - to the church authorities in the capital. There, however, the information is also quite vague. It is impossible to understand at what stage the construction is located, but the purpose with which Akershus was created, the fortress with a huge capacity and protective potential is clearly clear.

It was supposed to defend the city from external attacks, since from 1299 Oslo became the capital of the state. Preparations were just in time, because in 1308 the city had to survive the siege, with which he successfully coped.

The Swedes, led by Knutsson Eric, were forced to retreat. In 1527 the building suffered a misfortune - it was engulfed by a fire and caused enormous damage. Perestroika was carried out using a stone brought from the island in the neighborhood where the Cistercian abbey was.

Formation of a settlement

Studying history, it is worth mentioning the moment when Christian IV, who was king in 1624, ordered the laying of the city at the walls of the castle of Akershus. The fortress from the military station gradually began to turn into a residential area where life was boiling. The new settlement was named Christiania in honor of the ruler.

The construction was carried out at the beginning of the 17th century in the style corresponding to the Renaissance. Investigating this monument of architecture, it is extremely interesting to look at the barracks, whose creation dates from 1747-1778, as well as a bastion in the inner part of the complex. Later here, perestroika took place.

In the 18-19th centuries there was a decline, because this place was used as a prison, so it was not very worried about its beauty and grace. Here was concluded Lofthus Christian in the period 1787-1797 gg., He was called a prisoner of conscience.

Renovating the fortress

The capital restoration of the building was carried out at the beginning of the 19th century. After the modifications, they began to implement receptions for government officials. Akershus is a fortress whose face was significantly transformed by P. Blix, who became the creator of the renovation project, developed in 1896.

In 1897, the plan was approved and granted a grant for its implementation by the Norwegian Parliament. In the beginning of the 20th century a museum complex began its work here. Restoration did not stop until 1976. The finishing touch was the renewed hall of Olav, where events on official occasions are held to this day.

Unavailable power

A unique feature of this building is that no enemy has ever been able to subordinate it to his will. The siege always ended in retreat. The only delivery was in 1940, when the Germans came to the walls.

The battle was not fought, so there was no real chance to check the power of the structure. Then the government of Oslo voluntarily left the city.

Akershus is a fortress, the description of which inspires true respect and admiration for the military strength of the structure. While the settlement was occupied, the Gestapo met here, where executions were sometimes carried out. The German authorities left this place in May 1945, when Norway regained power over him. After that, 8 people were killed, who assisted the Nazis.

In 1945, his death in these walls was met by the traitor Quisling Vidkun. In 1989 he came here to serve the Mass in Piazza John Paul II , who at that time held the post of Pope. This event was the first ever in history when the ruler of the Catholic world came to this state. In the walls of the chapel of the castle there are burials of monarchs who once ruled the country.

What's worth seeing

Inside the building there is a bastion where you can visit a number of interesting museums that can expand your horizons and historical knowledge. To begin with, the architectural monument is Akershus (fortress) itself. Photo buildings are able to show how many curious elements are there, which, of course, it is better to see live. Then the impressions will be even more vivid.

It is completely free to look at guns and cannons of the old model, standing on the street. Ancient form has sentries, which are drilled on the territory of the complex. Some places are closed, but most of the territory is completely free.

It will be interesting to go to the museum, where much tells about the prison history of this building. There is a separate building for it. Also, there is information about the entire fortification, the stages of its construction and development up to the Second World War. To get here, you will have to pay for the entrance. By the castle you can wander freely, which is extremely pleasing to curious tourists. There are chic rooms for banquets, official residences, cells for imprisonment.

Memory of fighting skirmishes

A separate exposition is devoted to armament, which was used to resist the Nazis during the Second World War. There are documents that were used during the fighting from the era of the Vikings until the 20th century.

Also there is an exhibition outside the bastion inside the fortress, dedicated to the history of military events taking place on this territory. Today, the place has not lost its importance for the armed forces, since here is the state headquarters of Norway, as well as the Ministry of Defense.

Where to go and where to stay

The complex can be accessed from 10 am to 4 pm. The ticket for an adult costs 65 kroons, for a pensioner or student - 45, for a child aged 6 to 18 - 25. Every day Akershus (fortress) is opened. Where is this building located? The official address sounds like Akershus festning. You can reach public transport by going to Wessels plass.

On such a trip you will need to spend 26 kroons in case of a preliminary ticket purchase. If it is purchased from the driver, you need to spend 40 kroons. Usually, visitors have a large selection of housing, as in Oslo operates more than 50 hotels.

In this city there is no scale for evaluating the apartments by the number of stars, so for comparison it is only necessary to say that the service here is excellent and the atmosphere is pleasant. This state is widely known for its developed infrastructure and good living conditions, so you will have a rest before you get to the fortress. And when you get there, you will get a lot of positive impressions, learn a lot of new things, you will please your imagination by the scale and beauty of architecture.

To date, the fortress of Akershus (Oslo) includes several buildings belonging to the garrison. Also here is the headquarters for military affairs in Norway, the Ministry of Defense. There are powerful guns, whose muzzle is aimed at the Oslo Fjord, museums in two buildings.

All this is waiting for you. Give yourself a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of the Middle Ages.