Sweden; Smaland; city of Kalmar: Kalmar Castle; Kalmar Castle is one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. In 1180; a first defense tower (Kastal) was built under the government of Knut Eriksson. End of 13th century; a ring wall with four towers was built. In 1397; here; the Kalmar Union was formed. In 16th century; King Gustav I (Gustav Wasa) and his sons King Eric XIV and King John III changed the medieval fortress into a castle for a renaissance king. It was damaged in the Kalmar War 1611 - 1613 and by fire; in 1642. In 1856; reconstruction started by architect Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander (1816 - 1881); followed by his pupil Helgo Zettervall and architect Carl M鰈ler. From 1919 to 1941; Martin Olsson guided the restoration works.