Riddarholmen Church, Stockholm, Sweden

The Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is the burial church of the Swedish monarchs. The congregation was dissolved in 1807 and today the church is used only for burial and commemorative purposes. Swedish monarchs from Gustavus Adolphus (d. 1632 AD) to Gustaf V (d. 1950) are entombed here (with exceptions such as Queen Christina who is buried within St. Peter's Basilica in Rome), as well as the earlier monarchs Magnus III (d. 1290) and Charles VIII (d. 1470).

Riddarholmen church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, parts of it dating to the late 13th century, when it was built as a greyfriars monastery. After the Protestant Reformation, the monastery was closed and the building transformed into a Protestant church. A spire designed by Willem Boy was added during the reign of John III, but it was destroyed by a strike of lightning on July 28, 1835 after which it was replaced with the present cast iron spire.

Coats of arms of knights of the Order of the Seraphim are in the walls of the church. When a knight of the Order dies, his coat of arms is hung in the church and when the funeral takes place the church bells are rung constantly from 12:00 to 13:00.

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User Reviews

Benno Changor (2 years ago)
The church is actually the burial chapel with most of the royal family personal graves. Some are buried in the main chapel floor and being very old most of the inscriptions are not readable. There are many side chapels where family wise casket, most metallic and with gold and silver embossing are placed. Although some are cast in stones too. A place of historical importance and must visit place for tourists interested in the royal hierarchy of Sweden.

Nick J. (2 years ago)
Historical value, very impressive, the ticket lady knew greek and she was very polite! Definitely worth a visit

Bahaa AlHaffar (2 years ago)
Beautiful design and colours specially at sunset time

Allen Lin (2 years ago)
Church very similar to other churches in Europe. In my opinion it was nothing special. It is a short walk away from gamla Stan and student tickets are cheaper and it was nice that they did not look for student id. Apparently the reciept of the ticket here gets you a discount at the other museum at the royal palace.

Natalie (2 years ago)
One of the oldest buildings in Stockholm/Old Town. Previously a convent turned church and now it is the final resting place of generations of Royals. Interesting to visit. Scarce opening-hours so check in advance if it is open for visitors. Not free of admissions but worth the price (60 kr/adult and 30kr/child).

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