Originally a vegetable garden for the old royal family, the area is now one of the best green space parks in the city, and has won praise worldwide. The park was created in the 18th century, although King Karl XIV tore out many of the trees a hundred years later to erect a statue of his father. The park has also been used for military operations, but since the death of King Karl XIV the park has again been open to the public and is often used for open-air events in Stockholm.