Mariefred

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Mariefred
Mariefred in August 2005, view from Gripsholm Castle
Mariefred in August 2005, view from Gripsholm Castle
Mariefred (Sweden)
Mariefred
Mariefred
Coordinates: 59°16′N 17°13′E / 59.267, 17.217
Country Sweden
Municipality Strängnäs Municipality
County Södermanland County
Province Södermanland
Area [1]
 - Total 2.52 km² (1 sq mi)
Population (2005-12-31)[1]
 - Total 3,813
 - Density 1,512/km² (3,916.1/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)

Mariefred is a small idyllic town in Strängnäs Municipality, Södermanland County, Sweden, with a population of 4,800. The name leads back to the old Catholic monastery "Pax Mariae" - Mary's Peace. It lies roughly 65 kilometres west of Stockholm.

Mariefred is, despite its small population, for historical reasons often still referred to as a city. Statistics Sweden, however, only counts localities with more than 10,000 inhabitants as cities.

The Royal Gripsholm Castle is located in the town.

In the old Royal barn of Gripsholms Castle in Mariefred is now a centre for fine arts printmaking, Grafikens Hus (House of Graphics).

East Södermanland Railway - Railway museum with one of the finest collections of 600 mm narrow-gauge passenger railcars.

Kurt Tucholsky is buried in the cemetery in the town. Pop and jazz singer Lisa Ekdahl was raised in Mariefred.

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Coordinates: 59°16′N, 17°13′E

Mariefred is one of 134 towns with the historical City status in Sweden.