"Gargoyles & Graffiti"chronicles architectural elements that I find interesting or unique in my travels. Gargoyles are my passion, but today graffiti (which I hate but am learning to love as it is everywhere) is as much a part of architecture as the gargoyles and decorative railings that thrill me.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Drottningholm Palace Royal Horses

Drottningholm Palace
This post is neither gargoyle nor graffiti, but about my other favorite thing - animals!

Drottningholm Palace is everything a Palace should be - immense, ornate, grounds to die for and only accessible by boat. It sits on the island of Lovön in Stockholm County, Sweden. It is one of Sweden's royal palaces and the main residence of their King and Queen. 

Moises taking photos of the grounds


I am sure the private residences are more luxurious than the part we got to tour, as the tourist area is pretty sparse. Old palaces tend to be that way. The wonderful thing about this Palace is the grounds and the Royal horses.


Royal horses at Drottningholm Palace


Swedish Royal horse
We took a carriage ride. It meant waiting for over 2 hours to get our turn though - as the horses work for 2 hours, then rest for 2 hours. The young women who take care of and lead the horses are the happiest employees I have ever seen. They regaled us with stories of the goings on at the Palace - when their services were needed for Royal events, and they truly seemed not only in awe of but in genuine like of the Swedish Royal family. The ride was about a half hour back to the Chinese Pavilion. We got out and toured and then made our way back to the Palace. It really was a royal treat.

Chinese Pavilion

Before heading back to the Palace
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