Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala län
Uppsala Cathedral, located in central Uppsala beside the Fyris river and the University Hall, is the largest church in the Nordic countries, standing at 118.7 meters tall. Built primarily in the French Gothic style from the late 13th century through the 15th century, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala, the primate of the Church of Sweden. The cathedral has been a central religious and cultural landmark for over seven centuries, traditionally hosting Swedish royal coronations and housing the tombs of notable figures such as King Eric IX, Gustav Vasa, John III, Carl Linnaeus, and Emanuel Swedenborg. Its architecture features a cross-shaped layout with twin towers on the west end, originally topped with high spires later modified after a fire in 1702. The interior holds medieval frescoes uncovered during 20th-century restorations, as well as ornate portals and the largest church bell in Sweden, "Storan." The cathedral continues to be a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub, hosting services, concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours year-round, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and artistic treasures.
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Tipp: Visit Uppsala Cathedral during spring or summer for pleasant weather and vibrant surroundings. Guided tours and the Treasury Museum enhance the experience and are recommended. The cathedral is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 year-round. Advance ticket purchase is not required, but checking schedules for special concerts or events is advised. Discounts may be available for groups and students.
Interessante Fakten
- •Uppsala Cathedral is the tallest church in the Nordic countries, measuring 118.7 meters in height.
- •It houses the largest church bell in Sweden, called "Storan," weighing approximately 7,360 kg.
- •The cathedral contains the relics of Saint Eric, Sweden's national saint, and a relic of Saint Bridget, Europe's patron saint.
- •Many prominent Swedish historical figures are buried here, including Carl Linnaeus, Gustav Vasa, and Emanuel Swedenborg.
- •The south portal is richly decorated with early 14th-century stone sculptures and features Sweden's largest medieval stained glass window.
- •Approximately half a million visitors come to Uppsala Cathedral annually.
Geschichte
The original Christian church in the Uppsala area replaced a pagan temple at Old Uppsala around the early 12th century.
After a fire damaged the earlier cathedral in Gamla Uppsala in 1204, permission was granted by Pope Alexander IV in 1258 to relocate the bishop's seat to the current site in Ă–stra Aros (modern Uppsala).
Construction of the present cathedral began around 1272 under French architects, with major building phases continuing into the mid-15th century.
The structure has undergone several restorations, including significant redesigns of the towers in the 18th and 19th centuries following a fire in 1702.
Throughout its history, the cathedral has served as the coronation church for Swedish monarchs and a burial site for national saints and royalty.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
South Portalearly 14th century
The south portal is the most ornate entrance, featuring numerous relief plates and sculptures of patron saints such as Saint Eric and Saint Lars. It dates from the early 14th century and is a prime example of medieval stone carving.
Twin Towers15th century (construction), 1735 and 1880s (redesigns)
Originally topped with high spires, the twin towers on the west end of the cathedral were redesigned after a fire in 1702. The current low helms were designed by Carl HĂĄrleman and later substantially altered by Helgo Zetterwall in the 1880s.
Treasury MuseumRenovated in the 1970s
Located in the northern tower, the Treasury Museum displays many of the cathedral's older furnishings and church textiles, including the gilded shrine containing the relics of Saint Eric.
Sonens Window (Stora glas)circa 1330
Above the south portal is "Sonens fönster," Sweden's largest medieval stained glass window, covering 119 square meters. It was known in medieval times as the "Great Glass."
Kontakt
Telefon: 018-430 36 30
