Kalmar is a city in Småland in south east Sweden, situated by the Baltic Sea. From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden's most important cities. Between 1602 to 1913 it was the capital of Kalmar Diocese, with a bishop, and the Kalmar Cathedral from 1702 is still a fine example of classicistic architecture. It became a fortified city, with the still mighty Kalmar Castle as the center. After the Treaty of Roskilde 1658 Kalmar's importance diminished, until the industry sector was initiated in the 19th century.
Geographically Kalmar is the main route to the island of Öland thanks to the Öland Bridge.