Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala, Sweden

Uppsala Cathedral is the largest and tallest cathedral and one of the most impressive religious buildings in Scandinavia. Originally built in the 13th century under Roman Catholicism and used for coronations of the Swedish monarch, since the Protestant Reformation, it has been controlled by the Lutheran Church of Sweden. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala, the primate of Sweden.

The construction of the cathedral started ca. 1287, when the archbishopric was moved from Old Uppsala. It took more than a century to complete. When inaugurated in 1435 under archbishop Olaus Laurentii, the cathedral was not completely finished. It was dedicated to Saint Lawrence, Saint Eric and Saint Olaf. It was completed within the following decades.

The cathedral was severely damaged in 1702 in a disastrous fire and restored near the turn of the 20th century. The twin spires were added between 1885-1893 by architect Helgo Zettervall. He replaced the small Baroque towers with tall (French-inspired) spires, including a third, smaller tower on the transept crossing in the same style. Zettervall also so significantly altered large portions of the medieval outer brick walls as to give it a slimmer appearance.

The interior ceiling and walls of the cathedral were decorated in neo-Gothic style. Some depictions, such as one of the Reformation's Martin Luther, added figures beyond the cathedral's medieval heritage. Large portions of cement additions by Zettervall to the exterior structure of the cathedral were removed decades later as they adversely affected the building's fabric. A sign denouncing antisemitism marks the position of the "Jewpig", a relief depicting Jews drinking from a sow.

The Cathedral has been the coronation church for many of Sweden's kings and queens. It was the site of celebrating coronations from the Middle Ages until the end of the 17th century. Thereafter, up until 1872 (when Oscar II was the last Swedish monarch to be ceremonially crowned), Stockholm's Cathedral Storkyrkan was the official coronation church.

A number of Swedish kings and notable people were buried inside the cathedral like Eric the Saint (he was actually killed in the cathedral in 1160), Gustav Vasa (d. 1560) and John III (d. 1592) with his wife Catherine Jagiellon. Other notable are Carolus Linnaeus, 18th century world-renowned botanist and Laurentius Petri, Sweden's first Lutheran archbishop. In the cathedral is also a small memorial to Dag Hammarskjöld, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

wrinklefreebrain (5 months ago)
Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka) stands as an awe-inspiring testament to centuries of Swedish history, faith, and architectural brilliance. As Scandinavia's largest cathedral, this magnificent Gothic structure commands immediate reverence upon approach. The soaring brick exterior with its twin spires reaching 118 meters into the sky offers just a hint of the splendor waiting within. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the vastness of the interior space, with its ribbed vaulting drawing the eye heavenward and stained glass windows filtering light in mesmerizing patterns across the stone floor. The historical significance is palpable throughout—this cathedral houses the tombs of Swedish royalty including Gustav Vasa and King Johan III, along with the relics of Saint Eric, Sweden's patron saint. The Treasury Museum contains priceless ecclesiastical artifacts that offer fascinating glimpses into medieval religious life. What impressed me most was the cathedral's perfect balance of grandeur and intimate spirituality. Despite its massive scale, there are numerous peaceful chapels and quiet corners for personal reflection. The acoustics are remarkable—I was fortunate to catch part of a choir rehearsal, and the sound seemed to envelop the entire space. The staff are knowledgeable and provide informative materials in multiple languages, enhancing appreciation of the cathedral's artistic and historical elements. The modest entrance fee is entirely worth it to experience this extraordinary landmark that has stood at the heart of Swedish spiritual life since the 13th century. Whether you're interested in religious architecture, Swedish history, or simply seek a moment of tranquility in a breathtaking space, Uppsala Cathedral delivers an unforgettable experience that resonates long after you've left its hallowed halls.

Dario J (6 months ago)
A huge church packed with history and plenty of beautiful scenery. If you’re passing by, don’t hesitate to step inside. Entry is free, and there was no queue during our visit. The church is spacious and filled with historical significance, including the tomb of King Gustav Vasa, a key figure in Swedish history. There’s also a souvenir shop inside if you’d like to purchase some decorations.

Udesh Fernando (7 months ago)
, I had the incredible opportunity to take a guided tour of #UppsalaCathedral, finally stepping inside to experience its magical interiors. Walking through the grand doors, I was immediately struck by the cathedral’s immense beauty and the sense of history that fills the space. The intricate details of the stained glass windows, the soaring arches, and the ornate decorations were even more breathtaking than I had imagined. The tour also delved into the cathedral's rich and, at times, contested history, revealing stories of power, faith, and transformation that have unfolded within these walls over the centuries. From its role as the coronation site of Swedish monarchs to the numerous historical figures buried here, #Uppsala Cathedral is truly a treasure trove of Scandinavian heritage. Moreover, all the events, rituals, cultural, and academic gatherings I will witness here over the years will allow me to absorb the cathedral’s significance slowly and steadily. For that, I’m truly grateful! Each visit will deepen my appreciation for this remarkable place, as it continues to be a living part of Uppsala's rich history and vibrant community.

Sagar Jadhav (8 months ago)
Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka) is an awe-inspiring and historic landmark in Sweden, renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture and its significance in both Swedish history and Christianity. Located in the heart of Uppsala, this majestic structure dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest and most iconic cathedrals in Scandinavia.

Josh H (11 months ago)
This place is jaw dropping. Absolutely beautiful. From the architecture to the history, it's a must go place if visiting Uppsala or anywhere even remotely close. We were visiting from the United States and visited here on our last day of our 2 week vacation. Absolutely stunning.

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