Mora Church
Dalarnas län
Mora Church, located in Mora, Sweden, is a remarkable medieval church known for its size and opulence, which surpasses many other churches in the region. Historically, it served as the seat of the Mora Parish, which encompassed all of northern Dalarna during medieval times. The church has been dedicated to the archangel Saint Michael since before the 16th century Protestant Reformation and the establishment of the Church of Sweden. A notable statue depicting Saint Michael and the dragon stands near the church's main gates and has been the coat of arms of Mora since 1946. The reason for the church's dedication to Saint Michael remains uncertain, with some speculation about a possible confusion with the Scandinavian Saint Olof. Mora Church is also culturally significant as it is prominently visible near the finish line of the famous Vasaloppet ski race, linking it to local traditions and identity. Today, the church is part of the Mora Parish of the Church of Sweden and continues to serve as a spiritual and community center in the region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the local parish website for information on service times and special events. The church's location near the Vasaloppet finish line makes spring, during the race, a particularly vibrant time to visit. Booking for ceremonies or group visits can be arranged through the parish office. No specific ticketing is required for general visits, but donations are appreciated. The church can also be rented for concerts or events, benefiting from its beautiful acoustics.
Interesting facts
- •Mora Church is prominently located near the finish line of the famous Vasaloppet cross-country ski race.
- •The statue of Saint Michael and the dragon outside the church is used as the coat of arms of Mora since 1946.
- •The church's dedication to Saint Michael predates the Protestant Reformation and remains a historical mystery.
- •The original church on the site was built around 1300 and replaced by the current structure at the end of the 15th century.
History
The original church in Mora was a small grey stone structure built around 1300.
This was replaced at the end of the 15th century by the current larger building on the same site.
The church's prominence grew as it served the extensive Mora Parish, covering northern Dalarna.
It has been dedicated to Saint Michael since before the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
Over the centuries, the church has remained a central religious and cultural landmark in Mora.
The statue of Saint Michael and the dragon near the main gates was adopted as the town's coat of arms in 1946, symbolizing its lasting historical importance.
Place Guide
Saint Michael Statue1946
A statue depicting the archangel Saint Michael defeating the dragon, located south-west of the church's main gates. This statue is emblematic for Mora, serving as the town's coat of arms since 1946.
Contact
Phone: 0250-107 40
