Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(St. Christopher, patron of traders and seafarers). Circling this slab, you'll see
the floor plan of the original cathedral, an image looking down the cathed-
ral's nave, and a rendering of the town before it was destroyed. The cathed-
ral tower—which had partially survived the 1647 fire—was torn down in
1678 by the Swedes themselves, who wanted to ensure that their enemies (the
Danes) couldn't use the tower to launch an attack on the castle.
About 50yards farther into the yard, the stone slab onthe pedestal (marked
Kalmarunionen 600 ar
) commemorates the 600th anniversary of the 1397
Kalmar Union, which united the Nordic states. On June 14, 1997, the con-
temporary leaders of those same nations—Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Fin-
land,andIceland—came heretohonorthatunion.Youcanseetheirsignatures
etched in the stone.
• Exit the churchyard the way you came in, and turn right on the paved street
(along the big building). Take the first left (down Kungsgatan) and you'll
wind up back on the main boulevard. The castle entrance is just across the
boulevard, and on your left is the appealing, recommended Söderportcafé.
But first, stretching to the left of the castle (across the boulevard) is Kal-
mar's best public space...
Town Park (Stadsparken)
—This entertaining English-style garden is Kal-
mar's playground. While thoughtfully planned, it's also rugged, with sur-
prises around each corner. Locals brag that their region is a “banana belt” that
enjoys a milder climate than most of Sweden; some of the plants here grow
nowhereelseinthecountry.Thisdiversityoffoliage,andthemanysculptures
and monuments, make the park a delight to explore.
• The big, black, mysterious-looking box in the middle of the park is the...
