Storkyrkan, also called Stockholms domkyrka and Sankt Nikolai kyrka, is the oldest church in Stockholm. Storkyrkan lies in the centre of Stockholm in Gamla stan, between Stockholm Palace and Stortorget, the old main square of Stockholm. It was consecrated to Saint Nicholas in 1306 but construction of the church probably started in the 13th century. Inside, Storkyrkan still maintains much of its late medieval appearance in the form of a hall church with a vaulted ceiling supported by brick pillars. The exterior of the church is however uniformly Baroque in appearance, the result of extensive changes made in the 18th century. The church played an important role during the Reformation in Sweden as the place where Mass was celebrated in Swedish for the first time. It currently serves as the seat of the Bishop of Stockholm within the Church of Sweden since the creation of the Diocese of Stockholm in 1942.
East facade of Storkyrkan, facing Slottsbacken
Storkyrkan visible at the end of Slottsbacken from across the water. The church is part of a coherent ensemble of Baroque architecture surrounding Stockholm Palace.
Medieval vault paintings from c. 1346 (later restored) in what used to be the first chapel of the church, dedicated to Saint Mary.
The fourth and final proposal by Carlberg for a new church spire
Gamla stan, until 1980 officially Staden mellan broarna, is the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. Gamla stan consists primarily of the island Stadsholmen. Officially, but not colloquially, Gamla stan includes the surrounding islets Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Strömsborg. It has a population of approximately 3,000.
Image: Gamla stan September 2014 01
Image: Stockholm (33814091203)
Image: Stockholm (33804259913)
Image: Riddarfjärden SVENTA Bs Frog Taurus 2019 08 12 b
