The Moat - Vallgraven
The Moat is, just about what it sounds like, a moat around the fortified Gothenburg, which was one of the best protected towns in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside the moat there were seven meter high stone walls and outside there were several strongholds.
The fortifications was built in star-shape with ten bastions pointing outwards. Along this wall and the bastions the moat zigzaged, which still can be seen. Some of the bastions are still there as are the maots artfully built walls.
The wall and the whole town was the work of Erik Dahlberg. It replaced simple walls built when the town was founded. But stronger fortification was nessecary to save Gothenburg from the same fate as it's predecessors. These towns, Old and New Lödöse, Älvsborg town, and the Gothenburg founded by king Karl IX were all burnt and ravaged by the Danes.
The maot cleared cleared showed the limit between town and country. The town inside the walls and the moat was a closed town with only three gates to the country outside.. These were the King's Gate, the Queen's Gate and Karl's Gate.
It was like that until 1807 when it was decided to tear down the walls. This work lasted several decades but hte town had already expanded outside the old walls.Today it is only the moat that reminds us of the old fortifications.
But there are quite a few fortifications below ground. When the city council decided to tear down the wall they also decided that the area outside the moat would be made into a park with trees. And this area is now a gren oasis beloved by residents as well as tourists.
The moat was a fonded harbour for small boats well into the 20th century. The residents moored their boats here and sailed out to the archilepago during sunny summerdays. Today only very few boats moor at Rosenlund and Pustervik. The sightseeingboats Paddan are practically use the moat today as the bridges are very low.
But there are fish in the moat and the canal and these waters is an eldorado for anglers. With a bit of luck they can catch salmon here.
© Text written by Ingrid Wirsin
Ingrid Wirsin is a welknown journalist in Gothenburg, with a special feeling for buildings and history.
©Text 2001 by Ingrid Wirsin © Pictures Bosse Arnholm, 1999
The Moat with the park of Trädgårdsföreningens at left.
Do send comments or further information to: Bosse Arnholm!
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