Stockholm Cathedral
Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay
It’s official name is Sankt Nikolai kyrka, meaning Church of St. Nicholas, but it is commonly called Storkyrkan, or The Great Church. Its location next to The Royal Palace has made it a prominent church in Sweden, serving as the seat of the Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm and was once the main Parish church in the country. Now, because of its proximity to the palace, it has been used for many coronations, royal weddings, and royal funerals.
Brick Gothic architecture adorns the old church, and is one of the most significant examples in Sweden. Within the walls of the church are many important relics, the most iconic of which is a large wooden statue of St. George and the Dragon, carved in 1489 by Bernt Notke. The intricate statue depicts St. George atop his fearless horse, who has the large black dragon pinned underhoof while George’s sword is lifted and ready in striking position.
A painting entitled Vädersolstavlan, or Sun Dog Painting, is significant as the oldest painting in Stockholm, dating to 1632. The main pulpit of the church also carries great importance as the model for other large pulpits throughout Sweden. It is after the French Baroque style, built between 1698 and 1702. Large royal crowns form an impressive canopy above the row of royal pews, with royal seats sitting lavishly in blue velvet upholstery. The whole thing is brought together by the Silver Altar in the center, with depictions of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ adorning its ebony veneer.
Brick Gothic architecture adorns the old church, and is one of the most significant examples in Sweden. Within the walls of the church are many important relics, the most iconic of which is a large wooden statue of St. George and the Dragon, carved in 1489 by Bernt Notke. The intricate statue depicts St. George atop his fearless horse, who has the large black dragon pinned underhoof while George’s sword is lifted and ready in striking position.
A painting entitled Vädersolstavlan, or Sun Dog Painting, is significant as the oldest painting in Stockholm, dating to 1632. The main pulpit of the church also carries great importance as the model for other large pulpits throughout Sweden. It is after the French Baroque style, built between 1698 and 1702. Large royal crowns form an impressive canopy above the row of royal pews, with royal seats sitting lavishly in blue velvet upholstery. The whole thing is brought together by the Silver Altar in the center, with depictions of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ adorning its ebony veneer.
