The oldest Renaissance fortress in Scandinavia, Malmo Castle, can be called one of the main attractions in not only the city of the same name but also the entire country of Sweden. The great medieval fortress, also known as Malmohus, was once one of the most important defensive structures in Denmark. As is well known, for a long time, the territories of Sweden belonged to the Kingdom of Denmark.

The first ancient castle on this site was built in the middle of the 15th century by the order of King Eric VII of Denmark. However, almost nothing has survived since that time. The castle that rises above the modern city of Malmo was built on the ruins of the ancient fortress a century later, under King Christian III. During these years, the castle was considered the strongest defensive fortification in the country. Later, for several years, the strong walls of the castle served as a prison for the third husband of Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland, Earl James Hepburn. He spent more than 5 years in prison, but never got liberty. He died a few years after he had been transferred to another prison, Dragsholm Castle.

When Sweden had come to power, Malmo Castle regained its military significance. The citadel was surrounded by high bastions and equipped with weapons. So the Swedes managed to fight back the Danes. The ancient stone castle became an impregnable fortress, too tough to be captured by anyone.

After the end of wars and battles, the castle lost its significance. At first, it housed warehouses of weapons and food. Then the prison was reopened. And only at the beginning of the 20th century, several city museums – the Historical, Art, Science, Technology & Maritime ones – placed their collections here. Some museums are dedicated to the history of Malmo, others to the scientific and technological progress throughout Sweden, and the Art Gallery houses paintings by Scandinavian artists of the 20th century.