Dalarö history
Invasion by the Russian Galley Navy
In July 11, 1719 the Russians arrived to Kapellskär, they burned buildings along the archipelago. In August 19 they left after have burned parts of Dalarö.
The wooden castle Sandemar was built in 1693 and was excluded from the Russian ravaging expedition.
The near-by fortifications were built in 1623. Then Gustav II Adolf was the regent of Sweden. In 1636 the Pilotage Service and the Customer Service were established.
Licence for restaurant in 1628. The church was built in 1650 and it´s first detached bell-tower in 1676.
The chaplain however, had his residence at Hässelmara, Ornö.
Thus at the end of the 17th century here was a well-managed community with about 200 individuals. During this time Dalarö was of a great importance for the Swedish Navy anchoring.
Sweden´s position as a great power nation and the agitated time caused further defence measures. In 1656 Dalarö Skans (redoupt) was built. During the 18th century to the year of 1854 it was an intergrated part of the National Defence of Stockholm. After 1854 Dalarö became a civil community.
The redoubt is placed very strategical I order to guard several sounds between Ornö and the mailnad north and south.
However, it didn´t prevent the Russians to burn Dalarö community and the buildnings at the surrounding islands, but those situated under the cannons. Perhaps that was the reason why they saved Sandemar´s castle.
In Dalarö just the church was spared. The community was rebuilt about 1749, many of the old buildings you can see today.
The custom-house, build in 1788 was until three years ago a museum of the Custom office but authorities considered it to be not profitable and therefore they moved the museum into Stockholm City.
At the harbor-berth you can find a car ferry to Ornö called “Ebbas Dröm”. In the beginning of the 19th century there were about 500 inhabitants here. Now, they are about 1.800 people, “Smådalarö” included.
In the summertime Dalarö with adjoining archipelago are visited by thousands of tourists.
At the end of the 19th century many summer houses were built in a “Schweizer style” or in other architectonic extravagances styles for venture by wealthy people. This gave many individuals the opportunity of work.
Often the houses were built with double glass verandas and with exquisite work of carpenters. Often they were placed at seaside or up the hills where you had a good view and could see the water.
Well-known writers as August Blance, August Strindberg and artists like Anders Zorn with friends visited Dalarö.
In 1890 a severe fire made 27 houses burned down of the old buildings between the church and the seaside. Only the chapel and the bell-tower were saved.
To reduce the uncontrolled colonization a map and a town plan were made in 1893-94.
The seaside life began during the next century.
