Stockholm is an ancient city rich in various architectural sights. One of the most remarkable and ancient buildings is the Church of St. Nicholas. This majestic building, visible from afar, does not allow tourists and guests of the city to easily pass by.
Cult building
The history of the Church of St. Nicholas in Stockholm began around 1264, when it began to be built (the exact date is unknown). It is considered the first stone building in Stockholm. Currently, the temple is located in the city center, next to the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace.
As you know, one of the largest churches is the Church of St. Nicholas in Stockholm. Initially, the building was used as an ordinary parish church, but over time it acquired impressive significance and influence. The cathedral occupied a leading role among the religious and cultural buildings of Stockholm. It hosted coronations, baptisms, marriages and burials of the Swedish nobility until 1873. In 1976, the temple hostedwedding of King Charles XVI with his future wife.
Now the Nobel Prize winners are performing within the walls of the church. Organ music concerts are also often held here.
Description of St. Nicholas Church in Stockholm
The temple was repeatedly rebuilt, so the final style of the structure can be called mixed. It turned out to be something between Gothic and Baroque. Although the original appearance of the church, as it was seven centuries ago, has not survived to this day, the variety of ancient elements used in the construction has remained unchanged.
Despite the modest exterior decoration in comparison with other cathedrals, the interior decoration is in no way inferior to some of them in original uniqueness and beauty. Not too rich, but not poor either, it creates a harmony of elements, and with it an extraordinary atmosphere.
Interior decoration
Having crossed the threshold, the visitor immediately finds himself in a huge hall with impressive high walls and columns. The combination of brick, carving and gold makes you stay inside for a long time. A large number of benches for parishioners are placed throughout the hall: after all, religious ceremonies and services are regularly held in the temple.
Solid brick columns do not seem massive. The unusual style of masonry makes them ribbed, making them look more graceful than they really are. In addition to their main function, columns also perform another very important task: they divide a huge room into small spaces.
Museum Treasures
The cathedral contains many paintings and sculptures. The most valuable and unique are:
- Statue of St. George, who is depicted on a large horse with a sword in his hand, epicly piercing the dragon. This sculpture was commissioned to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. The image of George is made of oak wood, and dragon spikes are carved from deer antlers. The statue is very impressive and attracts a lot of attention.
- The painting "False Sun". The Church has a copy written by Olaus Petri in 1632 from the original of 1535, which, unfortunately, was lost. This is the oldest painting in the city. The canvas depicts old Stockholm.
- The Stockholm Miracle is a work inspired by the artist Urban, who described an astronomical event that took place back in 1535. On April 20, people in fear and confusion watched for several hours strange rings of light, similar to five or six suns, frozen over the city. This event at that time was considered an omen of a change in the world.
- The main altar, which is also called silver. Massive and majestic, it is made of ebony and cast from pure silver. On both sides of the altar there are statues of the patrons of the church - St. Peter and Nicholas the Wonderworker. Both of these works were made in 1937 from wood.
Solid brick columns, picturesque paintings, the Statue of St. George, a massive black altar - it all looksas organic as possible and creates a unique ensemble.
Thousands of tourists visit the temple every day. Due to the huge influx of visitors interfering with mass, "corridors of time" were introduced. This is the time when everyone willing to adhere to the rules can take part in the service.
All visitors to the temple note the uniqueness of the place and the real reverence felt there. St. Nicholas Church in Stockholm is the place everyone should visit.
