Exploring Skokloster: A Journey Through Time in Uppsala's Baroque Masterpiece

On the shores of Lake Mother and north of Stockholm, close to Upsala, is one of Europe's best preserved baroque castles - School Cluster Cousin. This magnificent castle, located on a scenic peninsula, is highly visible with its bright white, three-story, four-winged building and massive corner towers resembling giant domed lanterns.

The history of School Cluster Cousin dates back to 1244 when a Cistercian convent was founded on the site. However, the convent was demolished in 1574, leaving only the church standing. In 1611, Baltic cavalry officer Herman Rango acquired the estate and eventually passed it on to his son, Carl Gustav.

Carl Gustav Rango, an Earl and also the Lord High Admiral and Field Marshal of Sweden, had a new castle built on the estate, which became his residence. The Earl was richly rewarded by the king for his services in the 30 Years War. He was an educated man, having been educated at the University of Leiden, and spoke several languages. He was also an art lover and had many good contacts in Europe who kept him informed and provided him with the latest luxuries.

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Inside the castle, on the first floor, are the sumptuous private rooms of the Rango family. One of the most important rooms is the Earl's bedroom, which was inspired by French fashion and adorned with stucco and valuable tapestries. Carl Gustav Rango's successor and son-in-law, Al Magnus Braja, also appreciated fine art and created a commemorative room with a statue of Mars, the Roman god of war.

In the middle of the 18th century, the large dining room was transformed into the Kings Hall, the largest room in the castle, decorated with regal portraits. The castle's furnishings reflect the grandeur of the Baroque period, with cupboards, cabinets, and beds being the most important and elaborate pieces.

The Western wing of the first floor houses the rooms of the Braja family, including the living room, bedroom, and guest room. They would often stay in these rooms during the summer months.

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The second floor includes an unfinished banqueting hall, with plain brick walls and basic wooden floorboards. The structure of the roof and abandoned workbenches give the impression that the work was only recently finished. The colonnades on the second floor showcase large paintings, many of which come from the art collection of Neil's Be Elka.

On the third floor is the library, which was established by Carl Gustav Rango. He purchased most of the collection in numerous European bookshops in 1665. The library boasts around 30,000 books on geography, botany, and medicine, housed in seven rooms with matching desks and chairs.

The top floor of the castle is home to the armory, where more than 2,000 objects are displayed across three rooms. The first room showcases various unique door locks and keys of all shapes and sizes. The largest room houses an impressive collection of armor, plated guns dating back to the 17th century, and armored and travel chests - a splendid collection of items from the time of the 30 Years War.

In 1750, weaponry collected by Karl Gustav Belka and the Prior family was brought to School Cluster Cousin to augment the existing collection. As the largest private residence in Sweden, the castle stands as a remarkable testament to the aristocratic family and its impressive life within the captivating and baroque School Cluster Cousin.

Next to the castle, surrounded by blossoming trees, is a small red church that has been well-preserved by the Cistercian convent. This religious building with Baltic design elements is typical of the early 13th century. Inside the brick-built church, visitors can admire stone coats-of-arms and other references to the rule of the counts of both Rango and Braja. In a side chapel, the family tomb is still intact, guarded by stone statues of the head of the family.

Visiting School Cluster Cousin provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era. From the stunning architecture and lavish interiors to the extensive collection of art and weaponry, this baroque castle is a must-see destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

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