Bessastaðir

Bessastaðir is today the official residence of the President of Iceland and is situated on Álftanes, not far from the capital city, Reykjavík.

History

After the slaying of Snorri Sturluson in September 1241 Bessastaðir were claimed by the King of Norway. Thereafter it became a Royal stronghold and the dwellings of the King's highest ranking officers and officials in Iceland. It resisted an attack by Turkish slave raiders in July 1627. In the late 18th century Bessastaðir was changed into a school for a few years and until 1944 when it was donated to the President it was a common farm. The location is named after Sigurður Jónasson Bessastaðir who bought the estate in 1940 and donated it in 1941.

Photo gallery

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References

• Bessastaðir — the Presidential Residence