The King’s Hall

In 1556, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden appointed his 18-year-old second eldest son, John, as Duke of Finland. As a ruler, Duke John had great powers: only the independent management of foreign policy was prohibited to him. The duchy included the castle counties of Turku and Kokemäki Manor, Åland, and the County of Raseborg. Duke John established an office for administrative affairs and the tax chamber for the collection of taxes and revenues in Turku Castle. The duke was assisted by a council.

Aided by his father, Duke John led the renewal work in his new home, Turku Castle. A new type of construction was visible in the ducal representative residence. The floors were on the same level, the rooms spacious and bright. The large windows opened in every direction. The halls were heated with open fireplaces and tiled stoves.

This room, known as the King's Hall, was referred to as the Duke's Hall in the 16th century. Until the 1770s, the room was divided into two parts by a partition. The end section of the hall next to the duke’s living quarters was separated by a wooden wall into a small room, a "förmak” (reception area). It was there that the duke’s guests awaited access to speak with their host. The Duke's Hall was the residence of Duke John and his closest friends and relatives. Those belonging to the court dined here on a daily basis. During the years 1556–63, the number of those living and working in the castle grew annually. By the 1560s, there were more than 600 people who dined daily in the castle.

The original interior of the King’s Hall was destroyed in a great fire of 1614. The room has since been restored to its present appearance using Swedish models as references, primarily those found at Gripsholm Castle. Portraits of former Swedish royals and members of the nobility hang on the walls of the hall. The paintings belong to the Art Collection of the City of Turku.