Beneath our feet lie secrets spanning centuries here at Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd. This former parsonage in \u00c4lvsj\u00f6 has a rich history. It has even given its name to the Solberga district.
Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd’s story began long before its current structure. Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived here during the Iron Age. They even buried their dead nearby.
Let’s step back to 1636. Solberga farm appears on the oldest map of the area. Back then its lands included W\u00e4sterg\u00e4rdet, \u00d6sterg\u00e4rdet, and Engsg\u00e5rdsvall.
In the 17th century Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd was donated to Br\u00e4nnkyrka parish. It became a residence for the vicar. Before this the farm was known as “Presteboled” in 1539 and “Preste G\u00e5rden” in 1544.
By the 1700s the farm was quite substantial. It covered 2 1/3 mantal. Imagine the scale of farming operations here. The vicars continued to farm the land until 1917.
The building we see today wasn’t always here. It was constructed between 1916 and 1919. The design came from the mind of architect Hakon Ahlberg. It replaced an older complex dating back to the 1820s.
The earlier buildings included a main house and two wings. There was also a tenant farmer’s residence a barn and a storehouse. A stable and even a sauna completed the picture. None of these buildings remain today.
Imagine \u00c5rstafrun’s visit in 1815. She described a building project “after grand plans for the Comminister”. Later in 1827 she found the building “quite good and beautiful”.
The sauna a log cabin from the early 1800s was demolished in 1955. The last surviving building from the 1820s a storehouse was destroyed by fire in the 1970s.
In 1961 Stockholm municipality acquired the land. However Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd remained a parsonage until 1972. Today the National Association for Social and Mental Health RSMH manages the property. It is now known as Solbergag\u00e5rden.
Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd is linked to literary history. J.W. Brannius who grew up here wrote about Br\u00e4nnkyrka parish in 1769. L.G. Andersson another resident penned memories of parsonages in 1957.
Nearby Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rdsparken provides a green oasis. Once part of Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd and later Solberga Hospital it now offers recreational space. The eastern section features winding paths flowerbeds and lush trees.
A stream meanders through the park. A small fountain pond park benches and a large gazebo invite relaxation. Residents can even cultivate their own plants in designated garden boxes.
The western part of the park offers activity areas. There is a playground a small artificial turf field and an asphalt court for street basketball. A pavilion with benches and a barbecue area completes the space.
In the 1980s Asian trees like walnut and chestnut were planted. The stream was created in the 1990s. Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rdsparken is mostly accessible with paved or hard-packed gravel paths.
So as we stand here at Solberga Pr\u00e4stg\u00e5rd remember its layers of history. From Iron Age settlements to modern-day community use this place has witnessed centuries of change. Its story continues to evolve making it a fascinating landmark in Stockholm.