Marstrand

Marstrand (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈmâʂːtrand]) is a seaside locality situated in Kungälv Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden. It had 1,320 inhabitants in 2010. The town got its name from its location on the island of Marstrand. Despite its small population, for historical reasons Marstrand is often referred to as a city. The city had free port status, which was declared by King Gustav III, from 1775 to 1794. Religious liberty established by the same sovereign allowed an early Swedish congregation of Jews to be established there in 1775 and one of Scandinavia's first synagogues was set up in Fort Fredriksborg in 1780, making the village a notable site to the history of the Jews in Sweden. Following the abolishment of the free port status and the decline of herring fishing, Marstrand established itself as a seaside resort in the 19th century. Important annual sporting events held in Marstrand include the Stena Match Cup Sweden and Marstrand Regatta. Marstrand is known as a playground for celebrities and wealthy Swedish residents alike, who come in the summer for the sea, shopping and the nightlife.