IU309. MALMO HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

LOCATION

A city in southern Sweden, situated on the Skåne peninsula on the picturesque bank of the Oresund strait. After the construction of the bridge-tunnel crossing (Most Öresund) with Copenhagen in 2000, it is considered the so-called “the gate to Sweden”. The city can be reached by car, train or yacht.
55°37’15.2″N 13°00’11.1″E

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SCENIC CHARACTER

The oldest historic mentions of Malmö date back to the second half of the 12th century and the oldest preserved municipal privileges date from 1353. At that time, it was part of the then Kingdom of Denmark. The King of Scandinavia, Eric of Pomerania, after taking power in Scandinavia, decided to use of strategic localisation of the Ӧresund, through which the countless Hanseatic merchant ships sailed. One of the main political goals set by this ambitious ruler of the Griffins dynasty was to master the trade in the Baltic Sea. That is why he built a fortress by the shore of the Ӧresund. One of them is today’s castle in Malmö. You can read about it on the board before entering the Castle. To King Eric Malmo owes his coat of arms, which has survived to this day almost unchanged and presents in the silver field the head of a red griffin in the jewel. The region of Skåne has also head of the griffin in its coat of arms.

ATTRACTIONS

From the point of view of the Griffins Route, the place that you must visit is the Castle. It is located in a beautiful green area in the city centre.

From 1937, the castle serves as a museum, history of the region, history of the city as well as natural and technological history. When visiting Malmö Museum, you can try out the free, Bring Your Own Device-tour. Using your smartphone, you can explore and learn more about the history of the castle, starting from the time of Queen Margaret l and King Eric of Pomerania. Malmö is a city where you can find many places marked with griffin: bridge, buildings, sewage sumps, monuments. After leaving the castle it is worth visiting the Banérskajen – a small street where you can buy fresh fish right from the fishermen in the morning. Being in Malmö, you must visit Stortorget – the main square. It has existed since 1538 and has approx. 2’500 sqm and a small market adjacent to it. Many mediaeval parts of the town were demolished during 1530:s in order to make room for Stortorget, which was considered to be the biggest market square in the Nordic countries. In the main square, you will find the Old Town Hall and Kockska Huset a building from the early 16th century and St. Peter´s church which is a beautiful gothic brick church founded at the beginning of the 14th century. In 1518 Jörgen Kock was appointed master of the mint in Malmö for the kingdom of Denmark. Jörgen Kock’s house, in splendid late Gothic style, was built in 1522-1525. The town hall was built on the initiative of the mayor of the city, Jörgen Kock, and was completed in 1546. Although the appearance of the city hall has changed over the centuries, on the building and flags you will also see the familiar silhouette of the griffin.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Heritage Class: [ C ]Cultural Heritage

Subclass [CU] : Cultural heritage events and sites

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