Linköping Cathedral
Östergötlands län
Linköping Cathedral, located in the Swedish city of Linköping, serves as the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Linköping within the Church of Sweden. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Scandinavia, standing opposite Linköping Castle on a site used for worship since the 11th century. The current structure, approximately 800 years old, evolved from an original wooden church to a Romanesque basilica built around 1120, later expanded in the 13th century to include a choir and transept still present today. The cathedral's length reaches 110 meters, with a 107-meter tall tower that distinctly marks the city skyline. Notable Gothic chapels with large windows and star-shaped vaults were added in the early 15th century, named after saints including Saint Mary and Saint Thomas Becket. The interior showcases a rich program of sculptural decoration influenced by English and German craftsmen, including 14th-century carvings and a significant 16th-century altarpiece by Dutch painter Maarten van Heemskerck. Modern additions include stained glass windows designed by British artist Brian Clarke, installed in 2010. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and cultural landmark, featuring a copper roof that has developed its characteristic green patina. Its historic and artistic heritage, combined with ongoing community activities, makes Linköping Cathedral a unique testament to medieval ecclesiastical architecture and Scandinavian religious history.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the cathedral's open hours, typically 09:00 to 18:00 daily except special occasions like Easter Eve when opening is later. Pre-booking tickets is generally not required as it is an active church, but checking the official website for special events or guided tours is recommended. The spring and summer months offer pleasant weather for exploring the exterior and nearby castle. Discounts may be available for groups, students, or seniors. Audio guides and mobile apps like 'Konstguiden' and 'Via Sacra' enhance the visitor experience by providing detailed art and architectural insights.
Interesting facts
- •Linköping Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Scandinavia, with a tower height of 107 meters.
- •The cathedral's roof is covered with copper sheeting, which has corroded over time to produce its distinctive green color.
- •The altarpiece is a significant 16th-century polyptych by Dutch Golden Age painter Maarten van Heemskerck, originally created for a church in Alkmaar.
- •Between 1408 and 1420, the cathedral's Gothic chapels were constructed, featuring large windows and star-shaped vaults.
- •British artist Brian Clarke designed six modern stained glass windows installed in 2010, funded by a local donation fund dedicated to the cathedral's beautification.
- •The cathedral was an important center for Gothic sculpture in the late 15th century, influenced by English and German craftsmen.
History
The site of Linköping Cathedral has been used for Christian worship since the 11th century, beginning with a wooden church.
Around 1120, a stone Romanesque basilica was constructed, roughly half the size of the current building.
In the 13th century, the church was extended eastwards with a new choir and transept to accommodate a growing congregation.
Following King Valdemar's coronation in 1251, the cathedral was further expanded to its present length.
The 15th century saw the addition of Gothic chapels featuring large windows and star-shaped vaults.
The tower has undergone several reconstructions, notably in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the present spire designed by Helgo Zettervall in 1886.
The roof, originally lead, was later replaced with copper, giving it its distinctive green appearance.
The cathedral has continuously evolved architecturally and artistically, reflecting various stylistic influences and historical events over the centuries.
Place Guide
West End and Tower1886
The west end of the cathedral features rich Gothic sculptural decoration influenced by English and German artists, culminating in the 107-meter tall tower that dominates Linköping's skyline. The tower was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the current spire designed by Helgo Zettervall in 1886.
Gothic Chapels1408-1420
Constructed between 1408 and 1420, the chapels feature large windows and star-shaped vaults. They were originally named after Saint Andrew, Saint Nicolaus Hermanni, and Saint Thomas Becket, with one chapel later renamed after Saint Mary.
Interior Sculptural Decoration1320-1330
The nave’s arcades and roof bosses, dating from the early 14th century, display carvings characteristic of English High Gothic style, including the 'green man' motif common in British folklore. The south portal's tympanum features German-style relief scenes from the Nativity and Passion, added around 1330.
Altarpiece by Maarten van Heemskerck1538-1542
A major artwork in the cathedral, this 16th-century polyptych titled 'Crucifixion' was painted between 1538 and 1542 for a church in Alkmaar. It was relocated to Linköping after being sold in 1581 due to Reformation changes.
Modern Stained Glass Windows2010
Designed by British artist Brian Clarke and installed in 2010, these six stained glass lancets adorn the north and south porches of the transept, funded by the Bernhard Risberg Donation Fund dedicated to the cathedral's beautification.
Contact
Phone: 013-30 37 00
