Queen Christina of Sweden – in brief

Born in 1626 , daughter of Gustavus Adolphus – educated as a King
Queen at the age of 7 / regent at 18 / crowned in 1650
Studies in language, history, religion and science.
Interested in art and philosophy
Peace Queen – ended the 30 Years’ War by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648
Never married, did not accept the female role of the 17th century, abdicated in 1654
Converted to Catholicism in Innsbruck 1655 and settled in Rome
Became Queen without a country, supported the arts, but remained active in politics and religion
Pleaded for tolerance, open borders, freedom of belief and freedom of expression, women’s independence – Is regarded as the precursor to the Enlightenment
Lived 34 years in Rome and died there in 1689 – buried in St. Peter ‘s Basilica, an exceptional honour

Her complex and multifaceted personality
Her lifelong learning and personal development. She was fluent in 8 languages
Her lifelong fight for European values, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and culture
Her historic footprint as the most prominent European woman in the 1600’s
Her European identity – three centuries before the Union – a symbol of European unity