Marieholm – royal estate and residence
A small islet in the Tidan River has played a major role in the history of Mariestad. This was the site of the estate Tunaholm, later renamed Marieholm, which became home to more than 30 governors of Skaraborg County. It was here that the town of Mariestad began.
Discover parts of Mariestad's early history at Marieholm
The Tidan River flows straight through central Mariestad, and near its outlet into Vänern lies a small islet in the middle of the river. Today, impressive yellow-plastered buildings stand here, symmetrically arranged with a main building surrounded by six wings. Four of them (two open to the public) house Vadsbo Museum, featuring exhibitions about local history and the town’s industrial development. Visitors are welcomed to explore fascinating objects and stories.
Tunaholm becomes Marieholm
The islet of Marieholm has been inhabited since prehistoric times thanks to its good fishing and fertile land. The noble family Tre Rosor owned a manor here called Tunaholm, which became the property of Gustav Vasa in 1558. The estate later passed to his son Duke Karl, later Karl IX, who renamed it Marieholm in 1583. The same year, he founded the town of Mariestad. Both were named after his wife, Maria of the Palatinate. Duke Karl had a grand main building constructed on Marieholm, known as “Stora konungsbyggningen,” but after his death in 1611 it was left to decay.
A unique seat for king and governor
Skaraborg County was formed in 1634, and the governor initially resided at Höjentorp and Götala royal estate outside Skara. When Thord Ulfsson Bonde became governor in 1660, Marieholm royal estate became his residence, and Mariestad thus became a county capital. All governors of the county lived here until 1997, when Västra Götaland County was formed and the Skaraborg division ceased to exist. Marieholm’s centuries-long history as both royal estate and governor’s residence is unique.
A preserved courtyard structure
Over the years, the estate was expanded and altered by several governors. Exactly 100 years after the town was founded, Colonel Peter Örneklou became governor in 1683. Following the era’s ideals of order and symmetry, he created the courtyard structure that still characterizes Marieholm today. None of the original buildings remain, but the layout is the same. A memorial stone that Örneklou had erected in the garden by the river still stands, describing his reconstruction work and the garden. Karl IX’s royal building, constructed of timber on a stone foundation on the northern part of the islet, was destroyed in a storm in 1724. The eastern chancery building, erected in the early 1800s, now stands on the same foundation walls. All the other buildings seen today – the main building, kitchen wing, cavalier wing, storehouse and stable, were built during the 18th century.
Marieholm today
The main building eventually gained a second floor used for representation and guests, while the ground floor served as the governor’s family residence. The yellow façade was added during a renovation in 1967, during the time of Governor Karl Frithiofson. During his nearly 20 years in office, several of the wings were rebuilt and the stable was converted into a new exhibition hall for Vadsbo Museum. Today, the residence is used for representation and conferences. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the residence garden and, of course, visit the museum exhibitions.