Admire The Stockholm Cathedral, A Rare Example Of Swedish Brick Gothic

Discover the Stockholm Cathedral, the oldest church in the Gamla Stan

The Church of St. Nicholas is the oldest religious building in the Gamla Stan (the Old Town of Stockholm), and is the center of culture and religion for the whole city. At the Stockholm Cathedral you can take part in many events during the year such as concerts, religious functions and even coronations and royal weddings. In fact, in June 2010 the wedding of T.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel was celebrated.

The Church of St. Nicholas, as well as the city, was founded by Birger Jarl in 1279 and since 1527 has been a Lutheran Church.

The altar in the picture above is a triumph of ebony and silver representing many typical scenes from Christianity such as the Last Supper, the Crucifixion of Christ, Moses and John the Baptist, and the Burial of Christ. Above the altar is a rose window made in Paris in the last decades of the 19th century.

Be astonished by refined interiors

The Saint Nicholas Church contains many relevant works of art and the interior itself is really worth a tour. The main style is Swedish Gothic but there are also typical traits of French Baroque architecture.

The pulpit is an artwork by Burchard Precht and thanks to its beauty and refinements has become a model for all the larger churches in Sweden. All around you can admire reliefs and images such as images of Jesus Christ, a Canaanite woman, little angles, and many other decorations.

One of the best characteristics of the Stockholm Cathedral is represented by the roof of the lateral naves, a hundred stars on a vaulted roof made of red bricks that will make you feel as though you are walking under a night sky.

The lavish item in picture above is placed above each of the royal pews, a golden crown nestled in flowing mantles, giving to the viewers a great sense of movement and magnificence.

Find the statue of Saint George and the Dragon, an absolute masterpiece

Located in the bottom of the Stockholm Cathedral, at the side of the altar, you will find the absolute masterpiece of the cathedral: the statue of Saint George and the Dragon. Saint George is a mighty knight and saint from the medieval era, well known for having slayed a dragon. In all the tales about Saint George, the dragon represents evil itself. In fact in almost all the statues and portraits depicting Saint George he is represented killing a dragon. The statue was commissioned by Bernt Notke to commemorate the Battle of Brunkeberg fought in 1471. The statue of Saint George is made of wood and is used also as a reliquary with relics of Saint George, Saint Blasius, Saint Germanus, Saint Leo, Saint Martinus, Saint Donatus, and Saint Cyriacus.