No bloody wars or splits studied at the table: behind this micronation there is the project of an artist who did not want to part with his splendid works. Ladonia boasts an incredible history, the kind you hear only once in a lifetime, and it’s worth discovering – and then maybe planning a trip and visiting this little gem.
Ladonia, the birth of a micronation
We are in the 80s, in the heart of a magical place: the Kullaberg nature reserve. The latter is a pristine oasis located on an offshoot of southern Sweden overlooking the Strait of Kattegat, an impervious and difficult place to reach. Right here, with a splendid view of the sea, the Swedish artist Lars Vilks decides to give vent to his inspiration and put two wonderful works into the works. Thus was born first Nimis, a sculpture made up of 75 tons of wood, and shortly after Arx, a “fortress” made entirely of stone.
For two years, nobody notices their existence: they are perfectly hidden in the luxuriant nature of the park, and they certainly don’t create any problems. But when they are discovered, controversy arises. According to the local authorities, the sculptures should be considered buildings in all respects, and the construction of buildings is strictly prohibited within the reserve. Their demolition is thus requested, but Lars Vilks is not there: he appeals against the council’s decision several times, losing repeatedly. And for this reason he decides to act in a surprising way, proclaiming the micronation of Ladonia in 1996.
Over the years, meanwhile, anything really happens. From the creation of a new work of art, which is then dismantled (a much smaller monument stands in its place today), to the purchase of Nimis by the artist Christo, in an attempt to protect the sculpture from further dismantling decisions . Sculpture which, among other things, has now exceeded the 100 tons of wood used for its expansion. There is no shortage of vandalism such as fires and stone carvings to ruin Vilks’ work. But Ladonia exists, and still today it represents a tiny enclave of Sweden that attracts onlookers from all over the world.
What to know about Ladonia
In addition to its decidedly bizarre history, Ladonia hides many curiosities. Starting from her name: according to mythology, the micronation would arise right at the point where the precious golden apple tree received as a gift from Hera for her wedding with Zeus was transferred. In defense of the plant, the goddess placed the dragon Ladon, an extraordinary creature with a hundred heads, who was however killed by Heracles in an attempt to take possession of the apples. In short, the roots of this place once again confirm its magical atmosphere. Naturally, over time the micronation has become such in all respects, acquiring its own currency (called Ortug) and adopting Latin as its language.
And what about the population? Born without citizens, Ladonia has remained uninhabited all this time. On the other hand, it is not easy to reach it, nor are there houses, shops or roads, signs of civilization that are indispensable today in order to survive. Yet, officially, the micronation has a population of over 27 thousand people, Ladonians who live in more than 50 different countries, despite feeling they belong to such a special place. There is even a Queen, who is democratically elected and reigns for her life. The first was Ywonne I, who resigned in 2013; it was followed by Carolyn I, who is still in office.
