Riddarhuset (House of Nobility)

Description:

• Riddarhuset (the House of Nobility) was built in the 1600s. It was commissioned by the Swedish nobility who needed a meeting-place in Stockholm. Simon de Vallée was contracted to design it, but he died in 1642 before construction could be completed. Simon's son Jean along with Jost Vingboons took over the architectural assignment and finished what is today one of Stockholm's finest examples of the Dutch Baroque architectural style. Every third year, it sees a meeting of representatives from all of the noble houses of Sweden. There is also a very busy genealogical department that has been responsible for documenting the family history of the noble houses for more than 200 years now. The genealogical department also manages Riddarhuset's extensive and invaluable library, which is visited by scores of historians and genealogists every year.
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