Sweden - Märsta, Steninge Slott

The history of Steninge began at the end of the 13th century when the first known settlement was established in this area. In 1667, Carl Gyllenstierna inherited the Steninge estate. His relationship with the queen allowed him to develop the estate and the beautiful areas around Lake Mälaren. In 1680 the well known architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger was asked to design a palace. He was inspired by the French and Italian baroque style.. In 1705 Steninge Slott (Steninge Palace or Steninge Manor) was completed, overlooking Swedish largest lake.

Several buildings are dotted around the palace, in particular a huge stone barn dating from the end of the 19th century (PiP2), now housing several shops, an art gallery and a restaurant. Nowadays Steninge Slott is privately owned by a company and used for cultural events.

Steninge Slott, is considered being “Sweden’s most beautiful and perfect baroque building”. I have to say that from a distances it looks quite good, but coming closer it was obvious that the manor could use some serious maintenance (PiP 1).