Marstrand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marstrand
|
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
 Marstrand
Location in Västra Götaland
Marstrand
Location in Sweden
|
|
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Bohuslän |
| County | Västra Götaland County |
| Municipality | Kungälv Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.88 km2 (0.34 sq mi) |
| Population
(31 December 2010)
|
|
| • Total | 1,319 |
| • Density | 1,507/km2 (3,900/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
.jpg)
Marstrand (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈmâʂːtrand]) is a small coastal town in Sweden. It is located in Kungälv Municipality, within Västra Götaland County. In 2010, about 1,320 people lived there. The town gets its name from being on the island of Marstrand. Even though it's small, Marstrand is often called a city because of its long history.
From 1775 to 1794, Marstrand was a "free port." This meant it was a special trading zone where goods could be bought and sold without many taxes. King Gustav III made this rule. He also allowed people to practice any religion they wanted. This led to one of Sweden's first groups of Jewish people settling there in 1775. One of Scandinavia's first synagogues was built in Fort Fredriksborg in 1780. This made Marstrand an important place in the history of the Jews in Sweden.
After the free port status ended and herring fishing became less popular, Marstrand changed. In the 1800s, it became a popular seaside resort. People came to enjoy the sea and relax.
Today, Marstrand hosts important yearly sports events. These include the Stena Match Cup Sweden and the Marstrand Regatta. Many famous people and wealthy Swedes visit Marstrand in the summer. They come for the beautiful sea, the shops, and the lively nightlife.
Contents
Marstrand's History and Key Events
.svg){kind=small}
Norway 1200–1397
Kalmar Union 1397–1537
Denmark–Norway 1537–1658
Sweden 1658–1775
Marstrand Free Port 1775–1794
Sweden 1794–1814
Sweden–Norway 1814–1905
Sweden 1905–present
Marstrand has been a recognized city since the year 1200. A very famous landmark in Marstrand is the Carlsten fortress. This large fort was built in the 1600s and is named after King Charles X of Sweden.
The Free Port Era (1775-1794)
In the late 1700s, King Gustav III gave Marstrand a special "free port" status. This meant it was a place where trade was very open. During this time, Marstrand became a busy center for business.
At its busiest, around 60 Jewish people lived in Marstrand in the 1790s. They were part of a growing community. However, by 1805, most of these families had moved to Gothenburg. Some well-known families from Marstrand's Jewish community included the Henriques, Delbanco, Warburg, von Reis, and Magnus families.
Changes in Local Government
For a long time, Marstrand and its nearby islands were their own separate local government area. But in 1971, there was a big change in how local governments were organized in Sweden. Marstrand was then joined with Kungälv Municipality.
In 1969, about 200 stateless Polish Jews arrived in Marstrand. They were people who did not have a country to call their own.
Sports and Sailing in Marstrand
Marstrand is an island, which makes it a perfect place for sailing and boat races. The town is very popular with sailors.
Match Cup Sweden: A Top Sailing Event
Marstrand is the home of Match Cup Sweden. This is a big event that is part of the World Match Racing Tour. Sailing teams from all over the world come to Marstrand to compete. They race special DS-37 boats, with two boats racing against each other at a time.
The points earned in Marstrand help teams move up in the World Match Racing Tour standings. The overall winner of the tour gets the title of ISAF World Match Racing Tour Champion. Match racing, where two boats compete head-to-head, is very exciting to watch in Marstrand. Highlights from these events are shown on Eurosport television and on the official World Match Racing Tour website.
See also
In Spanish: Marstrand para niños
