Baku, September 10, AZERTAC The Royal Domain of Drottningholm stands on an island in Lake Mälar in a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden. With its castle, perfectly preserved theatre (built in 1766), Chinese pavilion and gardens, it is the finest example of an 18th-century north European royal residence inspired by the Palace of Versailles.It was designed by Nicodemus Tessin (1615–81) and built 1662–86. It shows French Baroque influences in its plan, gardens, and interior, but it also has Italian Classical elements and is capped by a Nordic sateri roof. A theatre attached to it was built in the 1760s and is preserved with its original sets and stage machinery as a theatrical museum. The palace was formerly the Swedish royal family’s summer residence.As the current home of the Swedish Royal Family, Drottningholm upholds a cultural continuity with the original purpose of the site.The interiors reflect Sweden’s ambitions as one of the most powerful nations of 17th century Europe, from both cultural and political viewpoints. Leading Swedish architects worked together with the best craftspeople in Europe to create a unique ensemble of buildings with rich and lavish interiors.The Palace Theatre is the only surviving 18th century theatre where the original machinery is still regularly used and the original stage sets are preserved.The Chinese Pavilion with its incomparable combination of architecture, interior decoration and collections is preserved and is a symbol of 18th century contacts between Europe and Asia.The Royal Domain of Drottningholm has been an intercultural meeting place for centuries, from the time of its construction by architects and workers of different nationalities to the theatre activities and tourism of today. For centuries, the Drottningholm area has been used for pleasure and summer recreation. Theatre performances and the interest shown by visitors to Drottningholm both maintain this tradition and its function as the home of the Swedish Royal Family.