Post code: S-75...
Telephone code: 018
The famous Swedish university town of Uppsala lies 70km/45mi northwest of Stockholm in a fertile plain on the banks of the Fyriså. The river divides the town into two distinct areas - the historic quarter to the west and the commercial area to the east. The most notable building in
Uppsala is the Cathedral, visible from most parts of town. It is the chief town of the county of Uppsala and the province of Uppland and the seat of the Lutheran Archbishop of Sweden. There is a variety of industry around the town (engineering, pharmaceuticals, printing).
The county of Uppsala occupies the central part of the province of Uppland, which played a prominent part in the early history of Sweden. The people of Uppland, the Svea, enjoyed the right of electing and deposing their kings. The name of Sweden (Sverige) is derived from Svea, and the term Svea Rike, the kingdom of the Swedes, is still found in this form in the traditional painting of Dalarna (dalmålningar).
History
Uppsala can claim to be the historic center of Sweden. At the time when the Swedish kings resided in Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) the present town, then known as Östra Aros, was merely the port and trading station of the capital. In 1273 the see of the archbishop of Gamla Uppsala was transferred to Östra Aros, while the royal residence was moved to Stockholm. The University, which plays a central role in the life of Uppsala, was founded in 1477 by Archbishop Jakob Ulvsson and, thanks to the patronage of Gustavus Adolphus, developed into a major center of learning.
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