Akershus is a fortress in Oslo, Norway's main city. Initially, the building performed protective functions, but in the 17th century it was given more refined features characteristic of the Renaissance and Renaissance. Around was a wall. We learn many historical facts about this fortress later in the article.
History of this place
Akershus is a fortress in Norway, founded by Haakon the Holy, the illustrious king. The building is located on a cape, which is washed by the waters of Oslo Ford, thus divided into two bays. Nearby is the Akers River, a structure on the banks of which is called the oldest in the city. It has been here since 1308.
For Scandinavia, it was a stronghold of strategic importance, contributing to the military power of the state. Legend has it that the residence was laid down by the king after the attack of Erlingsson Alva, who arrived from Sarpsborg in 1287. Akershus is a fortress (Norway), which is also unique in that before this country was not involved in the 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 tentatively at the end of the thirteenth century.
Mentions
You can learn about this object from written sources created in 1300, namely from the message of Haakon, the king of these lands, to 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, however, the purpose for which Akershus was created, a fortress with great power and defensive potential, is clearly clear.
She was supposed to defend the city from external attacks, because from 1299 Oslo became the capital of the state. Preparations were just in time, since in 1308 the city had to survive the siege, with which it successfully coped.
The Swedes, led by Eric Knutsson, were forced to retreat. In 1527, the building suffered misfortune - it was swept by a fire and caused enormous damage. Constructed using a stone delivered from an island next door, where there was an abbey of the Cistercians.
Settlement formation
Studying history, it is worth mentioning the moment when Christian IV, the king in power in 1624, ordered the laying of the city near the walls of Akershus castle. The fortress from a military point gradually began to turn into a residential area, where life was in full swing. The new settlement was named Christiania in honor of the ruler.
The construction was carried out at the beginning of the 17th century in a style corresponding to the Renaissance. Exploring this architectural monument, it is extremely interesting to look at the barracks, the creation of which dates back to 1747-1778, as well as the bastion in the inner part of the complex. Later there were perestroika.
In the 18-19th centuries, decline reigned, since this place was used as a prison, so they were not very worried about its beauty and grace. Here, Lofthus Christian was imprisoned in the period 1787-1797, he was called a prisoner of conscience.
Fortress Update
A major restoration of the building was carried out at the beginning of the 19th century. After the modifications, they began to carry out receptions for government officials. Akershus is a fortress whose face was significantly transformed thanks to P. Blix, who became the creator of the renovation project developed in 1896.
In 1897, the plan was approved and a grant was given to implement it by the Norwegian parliament. At the beginning of the 20th century, the museum complex began its work here. The restoration did not stop until 1976. The finishing touch was the renovated Olav Hall, where events on official occasions are held to this day.
Unavailable Power
A unique feature of this structure is that not a single enemy has ever succeeded in subordinating it to his will. The siege always ended with a retreat. The only surrender occurred in 1940, when the Germans approached the walls.
The battle was not fought, so there was no real chance to test the power of the structure. Then the Oslo government 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. German authorities left this place in May 1945, when Norway regained power over him. After that, 8 people who carried out aiding the Nazis were put to death here.
In 1945, the traitor Quisling Widkun met his death in these walls. In 1989, he came here to celebrate Mass at John Paul II Square, who at that time held the post of Pope. This event was the first in history when the ruler of the Catholic world came to this state. Within the walls of the castle chapel there are burials of monarchs who once ruled the country.
What to see
Inside the building there is a bastion in which you can visit a number of interesting museums that can expand your horizons and historical knowledge. For starters, Akershus (fortress) itself is an architectural monument. Photos of the buildings are able to show how many curious elements are here, which, of course, are better to watch live. Then the impressions will be even more vivid.
You can quite freely look at the guns and guns of the old model, standing on the street. Sentries that are mastered on the territory of the complex have an ancient form. Some places are closed, but most of the territory is available for free.
It will be interesting to go to the museum, which tells a lot about the prison history of this building. A separate building is reserved for it. There is also information about the entire fortification, the stages of its construction and development until the Second World War. To get here, you will need to pay an entrance fee. You can roam freely around the castle, which is extremely pleasing to curious tourists. There are chic banquet rooms, official residences, and cells for imprisonment.
Battle Skirmish
A separate exposition is dedicated to weapons that were used to resist the Nazis during the Second World War. There are documents that were used during the fighting from the era of Viking rule until the 20th century.
There is also an exhibition outside the bastion inside the fortress, dedicated to the history of military events that took place on this territory. Today, the place has not lost its significance for the armed forces, since it houses the Norwegian state headquarters, as well as the Ministry of Defense.
Where to go and where to settle
The complex can be accessed from 10 am to 4 pm. A ticket for an adult costs CZK 65, for a pensioner or student - 45, for a child from 6 to 18 years old - 25. Every day Akershus (fortress) is open. Where is this building located? The official address sounds like Akershus festning. You can get on public transport by going to the Wessels plass.
For such a trip you will need to spend 26 kroons in case of advance purchase of a ticket. If it is purchased from the driver, you need to spend 40 crowns. Usually, visitors have a large selection of housing, since there are more than 50 hotels in Oslo.
In this city, there is no rating scale for apartments by the number of stars, so for comparison it’s worth only saying that the service is excellent and the atmosphere is pleasant. This state is widely known for its well-developed infrastructure and good living conditions, so you will begin to relax before you get into the fortress. And when you find yourself there, get a huge number of positive impressions, learn a lot of new things, delight your imagination with the scale and beauty of architecture.
Today, Akershus Fortress (Oslo) includes several buildings belonging to the garrison. Also here is the headquarters dealing with military affairs of Norway, the Ministry of Defense. There are powerful cannons whose muzzle is aimed at the Oslo fjord, museums in two buildings.
All this awaits you. Give yourself a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of the Middle Ages.