Overview:

Riddarholm Church is the burial church of the Swedish monarchs. It is located on the island of Riddarholmen, close to the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The church was originally built as a Franciscan abbey in the 13th century on the ruins of the medieval Grey Friars monastery. The building was destroyed in a fire and rebuilt a century later by King Magnus IV of Sweden, who dedicated it to the patron saint of Stockholm, Saint Nicolas. It gained notoriety as the burial site of some of Sweden’s most renowned kings, particularly Gustav Vasa, Gustav II Adolf, Charles XI, and Charles XII. The church is also the official burial place of the current Swedish royal family. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Sweden
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic architecture: Riddarholm Church is an example of Sweden’s Gothic architecture style, featuring a grand stone entrance portal, tall spires, and a prominent rose window. 2. Location: The church is situated in the Royal Island of Riddarholm, Stockholm, making it easy to access via ferry or public transport. 3. Burial site: The church houses the tombs of many Swedish royals, including Gustav Adolf II and his Queen, Christina of Sweden. 4. Historic site: Riddarholm Church has a long and varied history, having hosted royal coronations and even been used as a prison. 5. Artful interior: The church’s interior boasts ornate artwork, including a centuries-old baroque organ, gold chandeliers, and lifelike sculptures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Sweden.

History:

Riddarholm Church is located on the island of Riddarholm in Stockholm, Sweden. The church dates back to the Middle Ages and is the burial site of many Swedish monarchs. It was originally built in the central part of the island in the 13th century, and a large part of the building was replaced in the 16th century. The modern church stands in its current form since the 17th century, and has survived several fires and restorations throughout the centuries. It is the only remaining medieval monastery in Sweden and is protected by the National Heritage Board. The church consists of a choir, a nave, a transept and a tower. The tower contains the Swedish Royal crypt, the resting place for many members of the royal family. In the middle of Riddarholm Church is the grave of St. Erik, a folk saint believed to have been martyred in 1160, and whom the church is named after. The church is one of the most important sites for the Swedish monarchy and has been used for several official ceremonies throughout the years. Visit one of the famous monuments of Sweden with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Riddarholm Church in Sweden is one of the oldest churches in Stockholm and is the final resting place for many Swedish monarchs. 2. The church was founded in 1270 and was the location for coronations of Swedish monarchs until 1974. 3. Since the 17th century, the church has been the burial ground of Swedish royalty and aristocrats. 4. Every King and Queen of Stockholm, except one, is buried in the Riddarholm Church. 5. The vaults located under the church contain the royal graves of nearly all Swedish royal families since the mid-1300s. 6. The most notable burial in the church is the coffin of king Gustav II Adolf, a famous leader of the Thirty Years' War who is considered a hero in Sweden. 7. The church is also home to the Swedish Order of the Seraphim, an honor bestowed on individuals for service to the Swedish monarchy and state. 8. The church contains a sculpture by Carl Milles entitled “The Two Crowns.” 9. Sweden’s National Day is celebrated each year with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Riddarholm Church. One of the historical monuments of Sweden, it tells the story of a bygone era