Exploring Castles In Shakespeare
Guarding nearly all trade to the Baltic Sea, Shakespeare chose this castle because many of those in his audience would be familiar with its location. Being the prize of any who controlled it, the thought of Hamlet squandering his chance at the throne made it seem that much more madening.
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Built in 1574, this castle is widely known as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet. The star shaped fortress that surrounded the castle was an was an unwelcome sight to any invader while it served to defend the narrow passage between Denmark and Sweden. All ships passing through this area were required to pay a toll. This passage was known as the "Sound" and was greatly utilized during the 1500's.
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Kronborg Castle, Elsinore , Denmark
Although ravaged by war many times over, Kronborg Castle has been rebuilt with the utmost scrutiny of the orginal and has been maintained throughout the centutries. Many bombardments ended with the enemy plundering the castle, but it always stood standing and was returned to its former glory. It is easy to understand why Shakespeare chose such a lavish yet comanding castle as the home of Prince Hamlet.
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Use the map to explore the area!
Try dragging the little yellow man onto a path to enable street veiw.
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