Commissioned by King Gustavus II Adolphus in 1625, the Vasa was going to be the indomitable flagship of the Swedish Navy.
Named in honor of The Royal House of Vasa, it was going to be the most lethal örlogsfartyg (warship) in the Baltic Sea.
The ship was built from 1626-1628.
Made from over 1,000 oak trees, the 226-foot long warship features 700 carved sculptures, 3-decks, two gundecks (containing 64 cannons), and more.
Unfortunately, the Vasa was far too top-heavy and sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 when it left Stockholm.
It traveled only about 4,000 feet. Some 30 sailors died.
The ship was recovered in the 1950’s and meticulously restored.
Vasa Museum (Stockholm Sweden)
