The Old Brahe School

The Old Brahe School is a building of cultural and historical significance that now houses the Visingsö Museum.

The building was erected in 1663 as the courthouse for Visingsö, which at that time belonged to the County of Visingsborg. The building was funded by Count Per Brahe the Younger. It was unusual for its time, being built of stone whilst most houses were still constructed of wood.

However, its time as a courthouse was short lived. Following the Great Reduction of 1680, when the state confiscated large parts of the nobility’s estates and power to strengthen the Crown, court proceedings ceased. The building instead took on a new role as a school, associated with the educational methods founded by Per Brahe the Younger as early as 1636. Previously, lessons had been held in Kumlaby Church, which had then served as a schoolhouse.

The Old Brahe School thus bears witness to Visingsö’s role as both an administrative and educational centre during Sweden’s Great Power era.

Administrator: Visingsö folkhögskola