Heritage sites, Archaeological discoveries, History of Archaeology

Sigtuna

Location

Stockholm County

Country

Sweden

Year of Research

13th century

Culture

It was founded on what was then the seashore of Lake Malaren just over 1,000 years ago.
It took its name from an ancient royal estate more than a few kilometers to the west.
A range of sources claim King Eric the Victorious as founder while others claim King Olof Skotkonung.
It operated as a royal and commercial centre for some 250 years, and was one of the most significant cities of Sweden.
During a brief era at the end of the 10th and beginning of the 11th century, Sweden first coins were minted here.
The old church built in the 13th century by the Dominican order at the monastery still ruins, and has had few restorations.
The Dominican monastery played an important role in the Swedish Middle Ages and formed many important Church officials.
Among them, many Swedish archbishops.
Many church and monastery ruins still stand, and the old city construction has not been remodelled, as happened in many Swedish cities during the 1800s and 1900s.