Westgate

From 1658 this was the main entrance into the city of Kalmar; a closed fortress in those days, when the Danish border wasn't far away. In 1611the castle was taken by the Danes and the old town was i ruins. After the castle again was in Swedish hands, plans were made to move the whole city to a safer place and build strong walls around it. This huge project started in 1640 and was finished in 1658. No more wars were fought on Kalmar ground after that but the city remained closed until 1797 when the gates were finally removed and a new era could begin.

Today you'll find shops, restaurants and a spa in the former quarters for the soldiers and a small café in the top floor of the gate, where the two windows are. The wall and the gate is recently renovated to the joy of all tourists swarming the city during summer. Kalmar is one of Swedens oldest cities and since I'm interested in history, it's an exciting place for me to be.