Global Treasures: Kina Slott

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1207

UPC: 879061008061

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Since 1981, the Baroque castle of Drottningholm, situated 12 kilometres from Stockholm, has been the official residence of the Swedish royal family. Within the beautiful Drottningholm Park is an exceptional architectural jewel, Kina Slott, a picturesque Chinese pleasure palace that is one of the most captivating examples of the exotic world of the Far East as visualised by Sweden's former aristocracy.

After the Swedish East India Company first arrived in China in 1733, everything Chinese was highly fashionable. In each corner of Europe, numerous buildings were suddenly inspired by Chinese art and architecture, thus many tea houses, pavilions and tiny pleasure palaces became in vogue.

The pavilion still contains several valuable silk wallpapers, lacquered umbrellas and other exotic examples. An exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain is one of the most celebrated exhibits, as porcelain played a vital role in the dining hall where food arrived in quite spectacular manner - the table rose up directly from the kitchen!

Considering such ingenuity, it is understandable that Kina Slott continues to enjoy much popularity right up to the present day.