Svaneholm Castle; the Homestead of Physiocracy.

Svaneholm Castle; the Homestead of Physiocracy

Originally, in 1530, a stronghold but later transformed to a castle.

In the 18th century it revolutionalized agriculture.

Nowadays it is an exciting museum and venue for many activities.

Svaneholm Castle, Inn and Banquet halls.

This castle is built in a gothic renaissance style over the years. The garrison was accommodated in the cellar, the Knights Hall was on the first level and the castle hall, where the ladies stayed, on the second. The third (attic) was reserved for defensive purposes. Towards the end of the 17th century the castle was extended with the five-storied building influenced by italian barogue architecture (Erik Mårtensson / castle leaflet). During the 19th century baron Rutger Macklean removed the mosse and installed a park in english style.

The castle is situated by lake Svaneholm.

The castle is open for the public from april until end september and offer an exciting visit to the museum that display original items of unique textiles and antiquities. Different kind of guided tours (also night time) is on offer as well as exhibitions and concerts. Feel free to ask for details or visit their website: www.svaneholm.com 

Separately the castle's restaurant (Gästgifveri & Festsalar) and banquet hall arrange meetings, weddings, festive events and different kind of activities for small and large groups. Their kitchen hold two stars in The Green Guide - Guide Michelin and vary the high gastronomic menu seasonally. For details visit their website: www.svaneholm.se 

Svaneholm Castle is near the village of Skurup, Scania, 35 km's from Malmö (Googlemaps).

Of more than 13000 catalogued items many are displayed in the museum.

Physiocratic thinking by Rutger Macklean

The renowned owner, Rutger Macklean, occupied the estate in 1782-1816 and found the farming to be in an utterly poor condition. Based on European experience he undertook profound changes in the agricultural policy and restructure the estate. Farmers received their own allotment to work for and paid rent for their rights. New housing was built and agricultural equipment brought in. Half-timbered housing was changed for straw-reinforced clay buildings called "mackerelled houses". Mackleans thinking was physiocratic emphasizing that agriculture is the basis for our prosperity. The reforms resulted in farmers becoming independent and in the end the impact was felt through a new legislation revolutionizing the whole society. 

Rutger Macklean 1742-1816

One of the most interesting attractions in the museum: The Macklean room.

Furniture, art, silver and porcelain from 18th and 19th centuries.

On display also smithery, textiles, costumes, tools and much more.

Interior from the castle.

Macklean also had an interest in charity work and took initiative in organizing education forming two schools for farmers children as well as a mass vaccination program of smallpox. Pedagogically he had been influenced by Pestalozzi, a Swiss pedagogue.

The school museum at Svaneholm Castle.

Maclean's origin is uncertain. When he died in 1816 he had increased the value of his estate from 20.000 riksdaler to 150.000 using his new agricultural methods and tools. 

Rutger Macklean overlooking his castle.

Svaneholms castle is one of the most interesting sites in Scania to visit. It offers many attractions and activities, for program please visit their website, as well as cultural events and fine dining. It is easily accessible also from Denmark via the bridge of Öresund and a short drive from Malmö. Hope you liked this photographic visit to Svaneholm.

Have a very good working week everyone!

:-)