Häme castle

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Häme Castle today

Häme Castle at the end of the 1650s

Häme Castle (Hämeen linna in Finnish, Tavastehus slott in Swedish) is a medieval castle in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The castle is located on the coast of lake Vanajavesi in the city center. The castle was originally located on an island.

There are arguments about the castle's age. Traditionally the construction of the castle has been connected to the legendary Second Swedish Crusade which would date the castle in the mid-13th century. However, there are no finds from the castle that could be firmly dated to a period earlier than 1320s. Also the contents of the crusade legend have been seriously contested. An earlier Swedish castle from about 1300 only some 20 kilometers away in Hakoinen also makes a 14th century dating for Häme Castle more probable. Russian Novgorod Chronicle only mentions one castle in Häme in 1311, its description matching well with the castle in Hakoinen:^[1]

"The men of Novgorod went in war over sea to the country of the Germans (Swedes), against the Finnish (Yem) people -- And the Germans fell back into the citadel. For the place was very strong and firm, on a high rock, not having access from any side. And they sent with greeting, asking for peace, but the men of Novgorod did not grant peace, and they stood three days and three nights wasting the district."

Construction of Häme castle probably started after the Novgorod invasion. The first castle was made of gray stone, and later bricks were used.

Castle's military importance reduced by the end of the 16th century. Defensive systems were upgraded in the 18th century with bastions around the castle. The castle became a prison in the 19th century and served as such until 1953, when a massive restauration work started. The castle has been a museum since 1988. Facilities can also be rented for private events.

[edit] References

^ Novgorod Chronicle. English translation.

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