Grafstad

Grafstad is the oldest and original part of Koningstad. It is named after explorer Adrianus Graf, who founded it in the 1550s. Graf, who had recently discovered Villa Fulvia, settled this area with his family. In 1555 he built a country estate here. In 1558 he persuaded king Anders I to move his summer residence here. After this many well-to-do people began to move here.

The Grafstad is famous for its colorful late 16th and 17th century houses.

During the Carrington era, when the capital was moved here, several old houses were torn down and replaced with newer ones. In the early 1900s, some houses were also torn down to make way for art deco/art nouveau townhouses. Many citizens voiced their concern at the “destruction” of such a historic neighborhood and it was made a National Monument in 1937.

In 1939 laws were made making it illegal to dismantle historic buildings and to construct anything here taller than the tallest existing building (six stories).

Local sights and monuments

 * Adrianus Graf House
 * Realpaleis
 * St. Peter's Church
 * National Theater
 * Cathedral Plaza
 * Market Plaza

Map
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 * *1 - Grotestraat
 * *2 - Queen Street