The Nyckelharpa dates back to about 1350 and was played in various European countries particularly in the northern part of Europe. There are frescos in the Vatican showing the Nyckelharpa being played in the 14th century. The modern Nyckelharpa was developed in the late 19th and early 20 century in Sweden. This instrument has three rows of keys, four playing strings and twelve sympathetic strings. The instrument is very popular in Europe and is gaining a foothold in North America. It is traditionally used to play folk music but, can also be sued to play any type of music from rock to classical.