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Around Lake Mälaren, Sweden
The cathedral of Strängnäs
Strängnäs
Strängnäs is a quiet little town in the beautiful lake area of the Mälaren, west of Stockholm. It's not really a tourist destination, but some parts of the city are nice to visit. The history of Strängnäs dates back to the Viking era. Strängnäs is actually one of Sweden's oldest towns and has played an important role as a church administrative centre in the middle Ages.
Unfortunately large parts of Strängnäs were destroyed by fire in 1871, but luckily some areas were spared. These are the parts of the town that are worth looking at. One area is around the old windmill, and the other is the cathedral. Around the windmill and the cathedral you can still find some of the old houses.
There is a little harbour in Strängnäs that gives the city a nice atmosphere. I've only done a quick visit to the city, but I did spend some time in the cathedral, and that is what this page will be about
The gate
The gate
I wanted to take a nice picture of the cathedral, but that was almost impossible to do. There were either big trees in the way, houses, or I had to take a picture against the sunlight. Hahaha, so instead I give you this photo of the entrance towards the cathedral :-) In the previous photo you can see a little bit of the cathedral tower though!
Strängnäs Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1280 on a beautiful spot, on a hill, towering over the city of Strängnäs. Strängnäs got its city rights in the same year, which makes it one of Sweden's oldest towns. In the Middle Ages Strängnäs was among the country's most important towns and the Bishop was the King's representative.
The cathedral knows a lot of Swedish history; and several Swedish kings are buried here. On nice fact, hahaha, that not even all Swedes know, is that on June 6th 1523 Gustav Vasa was elected king of Sweden at Strängnäs Cathedral. This day has still a special meaning because today this day is celebrated as Sweden's National Day.
Strängnäs Cathedral
The high altar from 1490
The high altar from 1490
Let's take a closer look at the inside of the cathedral. One of the most impressive and beautiful things in the cathedral most be the reredos (high altar cabinet). It dates back to the 1490's and it was a made in Brussels. It was given to the Cathedral by Bishop Kort Rogge. It is one of Europe's biggest 'reredos'. If you click on the picture you can see it a little bit better, but the altar is made as a cabinet with panels / doors that can be closed. When it is opened you can see the "The story of the Passion" in seven large and several small scenes.
Another reredos
Reredos
Very close to the high altar (see previous tip) on the right side of the church you can see this altar. Like the high altar this one also dates back to the 1490's, was a made in Brussels and was given to the Cathedral by Bishop Kort Rogge. The picture you see is a small detail of the reredos. Both of these altars are great to see, with so many details!
Monument to Princess Isabella
Monument to Princess Isabella
This is the monument to Princess Isabella in the Cathedral of Strängnäs. The monument was designed in 1580 by Willem Boy.
Isabella was the daughter of King Johan III and died in Gripsholm in 1566. Gripsholm is a castle not that far from Strängnäs and you can read more about this castle on my Gripsholm page.
The pulpit
The pulpit
This is the pulpit in Strängnäs cathedral. The pulpit dates back to 1789 and is in Gustavian style and was made by the royal sculpturer P. Ljung.
Coat of arms
This is a coat of arms hanging on the wall in the cathedral. This is just one of them that I saw in the Strängnäs Cathedral. This is not unique though, I've seen similar in many of the churches in Sweden that I've visited so far.
Coat of Arms
Karl IX crown, sceptre and apple
Karl IX crown
In a little chamber on the left side of the church there is a little 'treasure room'. Here you can see all precious objects, like the one you can see in this photo : the crown of Karl IX. The crown you can see here, and also the sceptre and the apple were made specially made in 1611 for the funeral of Karl IX. When he died in 1612 they were put in his coffin. They were also used at the funeral of Kristina in 1626. The crown, sceptre and apple are all made of gold, black and white enamel, crystal and pearls. The crown was manufactured by Antonius Groth and the sceptre and apple by Peter Kempe.
Getting to Strängnäs
Map
Strängnäs is not that very far from Stockholm. It is about 85 kilometres west of Stockholm, and about an hour drive.
When you go to Strängnäs don't forget to visit the picturesque village of Mariefred, close to Strängnäs, with its beautiful Gripsholm castle.