Lilleborg, Bornholm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lilleborg | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of Lilleborg, Bornholm | |
| Type | Castle |
| Location | Bornholm, Denmark |
| Coordinates | 55°07′08″N 14°53′51″E / 55.11889°N 14.89750°E |
| Built | 12th century |
  Location in Bornholm | |
Lilleborg is a ruined castle in the Almindingen forest in the centre of the Danish island of Bornholm.[1] It is situated close to the main road from Rønne to Svaneke. Of the Danish fortresses built in the 12th century, Lilleborg most closely resembles those of Saxon architectural style.[2]
In 2025, researches from the National Museum of Denmark and Bornholms Museum concluded that some sort of fortification was already located on the site in the 4th century. Remains of the earlier Iron Age fortification was discovered in 2010.[3]
The castle was probably built in the middle of the 12th century as a royal fortress. It appears to have replaced the much larger fortress of Gamleborg which was only 700 metres (2,300 ft) away. The move could be explained by the fact that in 1149, three-fourths of Bornholm had been surrendered to Eskil, archbishop of Lund. As a result, King Sweyn III wanted to establish his own seat of power on the remaining fourth of the island.[4] While it could not be compared to the archbishop's Hammershus, Lilleborg was nevertheless a fine stronghold and appears to have been easier to defend than the much larger Gamleborg. There is evidence suggesting the fortress burnt down in 1259 when Prince Jaromar of Rügen stormed and destroyed the "king's stronghold" on Bornholm. However, coins minted after that date have been found, indicating it was inhabited after its storming.[1][5]
