Today, there is no wall. But once upon a time, there was one.
Piperska Muren (which means “Piper’s Wall” in Swedish), nestled in the heart of Stockholm, is a captivating testament to the city's rich history. This estate, originally a summer residence, boasts a lineage dating back to the late 17th century. Over the years, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, undergone transformations, and emerged as a symbol of elegance and perseverance.
Constructed in the late 1600s, Piperska Muren was initially Count Carl Piper's summer retreat. Count Piper, a close advisor to King Karl XII, acquired the property in 1694 for a sum of 9,000 copper coins. Little did he know that this estate would become an enduring legacy. In the year 1700, Count Piper embarked on a military campaign. He accompanied Karl XII's armies to Russia in the Great Northern War as an advisor and diplomat. Tragically, he met his end in Russian captivity in 1716. However, his widow, Christina Piper, displayed remarkable determination and vision. She took the reins of the estate and set about realizing their shared dream – creating a Baroque-style pleasure garden.
Christina Piper left an indelible mark on the property by erecting a high wall built from Roslagen sandstone in 1702, which came to be known as Piperska Muren in colloquial language. This wall, adorned with reproductions of Roman busts and statues, created a sense of grandeur and elegance that still captivates visitors today.
Carl Piper's son, Carl Fredrik Piper, sold the property in 1757 to the Frenchman and snuff manufacturer Jean Theodor La FontIn. His insatiable greed led to the downfall of the estate. Desperate to make a profit, La Font sold everything, even bricks from the iconic wall. Today, only remnants of the original wall remain, tucked away on the backside of the property.
In 1807, the estate was acquired by the Arla Coldinu Order, a seafaring fraternity founded in the 1760s. For centuries, this order has hosted numerous events and gatherings within the historic walls of Piperska Muren, ensuring its continued relevance in Stockholm's cultural landscape.
In the first half of the 1940s, an agreement was reached between the City of Stockholm and the Coldinu Order to grant public access to the garden in exchange for the city taking responsibility for its maintenance. The park was then renovated in 1945-1946.
During the late 1990s, the garden was restored to once again become a Baroque garden. Along the lanes leading from Scheelegatan, the garden is enclosed by a wrought iron fence with three trimmed linden tree alleys, two rows on the northern side and one on the southern side. The garden primarily consists of four quadrants with lawns surrounded by crushed brick and low-clipped boxwood. There are two fountains in the garden, and the pathways are paved with white gravel.
Piperska Muren is richly adorned with sculptures, especially reproductions of Roman busts and statues. Along the wall facing Pipersgatan, there are nine busts, most of them depicting Roman emperors. In the actual Baroque garden, you can find eight small gilded putti and eight larger freestanding sculptures, including figures such as Hercules, Minerva, and Mars.
Today, Piperska Muren's park is still owned and managed by the Arla Coldinu Order. Unfortunately, now it is not open to the public. However, you can enjoy views of the park from the street.
