This tower was built as part of the city's defensive fortifications in the 1530s during the reign of King Gustav I Vasa. At that time it still bore the name “Rundeln” and was used for artillery fire.
Both the tower and the fortress wall were built from bricks taken from St. Clara Monastery, which was dismantled by order of the king. Later, the fortress wall was destroyed, and the surviving tower now serves as the only reminder of the former defensive structures.
In the 18th century, the tower was renamed in honor of Stockholm's founder, Birger Jarl, and began to serve more peaceful purposes, as a warehouse.
It is important to note that when this tower was first built, there was an open platform at the top from which it was very convenient to conduct artillery fire in all directions. Now Birger Jarl's Tower is crowned with a green roof, which makes it easy to spot in the Stockholm skyline - just stand near City Hall and look toward the island of Riddarholmen.
Under Gustav I Vasa, the tower stood right by the water, but over time the ground level rose, and now the water is quite a distance from the tower.
Those who make it to Birger Jarl's Tower should definitely climb to the top - there is an excellent view of the city from there!
