Unlike other Swedish cities located on the sea coast, Gothenburg does not boast monumental defensive architecture. The local fortress walls were destroyed long ago. Today, there are only those observation towers that have never been attacked.

The famous Skansen Kronan is a great redoubt with high stone walls more than 4 meters thick. Erected in 1698 to defend against Denmark by the famous Swedish military engineer Erik Jonsson Dahlbergh, Skansen Kronan never took part in hostilities, its walls did not experience shelling, and the guns installed in the loopholes did not make a single shot. Besides, the construction of the citadel was so slow that it ended only at the beginning of the 18th century when the strong granite walls had been finally crowned with a roof. By the way, this helped the monument of medieval architecture to preserve its almost original appearance.

Throughout its history, Skansen Kronan had served as the city's prison and military museum until 2004, when it started hosting private parties and banquets. The ancient Swedish citadel was chosen by loving couples, who fly from all over the world to celebrate their weddings here.

You can get inside the fortress not only at one's invitation. Every Sunday, there are brunches with stunning views of the city. The view from the height of the fortress walls is really fantastic. As Skansen Kronan stands in the heart of Gothenburg, it is possible to see almost all the main city's landmarks.

It is hard to believe that Skansen Kronan was once far beyond the city walls. However, you can even tell by the fortress how quickly the city's borders have expanded over the past few centuries. And how time has affected the appearance of the monuments of sacred architecture can be traced by the magnificent Gothic Church of Oscar Fredrik, located just a few minutes' walk from the citadel.