Churches, Linkoping

St. Helena Church is located in central Skövde and has its name after Skövde's patron saint St. Elin, or St. Helena as she is also called. As a visitor, you can come here to sit down for a while, light a candle or pray. The church stands on a medieval foundation, but what we see today is built in the late 18th century just after the big fire in Skövde in 1759. St. Helena Church is a centrally located excursion destination in Skövde and is open daily for those who want to come in and experience the tranquillity. The church meets old and new in a harmonious way - if you look at the church from the outside you see an older building dating back to the Middle Ages, but on the inside, you are met by a bright and modern church last renovated in 2013. In the church, you can visit both services and concerts. The church can accommodate about 375 people. https://www.vastsverige.com/skovde/produkter/sta-helena-kyrka/

Eskilstuna's oldest church, Fors church, is located in central Eskilstuna on the western shore of Eskilstunaån and was erected during the middle of the 11th century on the initiative of the monk S: t Eskil. The old wooden church was replaced by a Romanesque stone church as early as the 11th century. Parts of the old wooden church remain in the north and west walls. The armoury was built during the 17th century when it took its present form. If you are visiting the church, please stay in the armoury and raise your eyes to the classic ship hanging from the ceiling. Fors church got its name after its beautiful location along the river. It belongs to the Eskilstuna parish in Strängnäs diocese. It has probably been the foundation church for an area consisting of western Södermanland, southern Västmanland and eastern Närke. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/fors-kyrka#googtrans(sv|en)

At the end of the 11th century there was probably a wooden church in Barva. In the 1100s, the construction of a stone church began. During the 15th century, an armory was built on the south-west side of the longhouse. By the middle of the 17th century, the church was extended to its present length and provided with a new sacristy. At the end of the 18th century it was planned to extend the church further. Instead, from 1796 to 1797, cross-arms were erected to the north and the church thus got its present cross-shape. At the same time, the sacristy was enlarged and the armory from the 15th century was demolished. The flat wooden ceiling of the church room was replaced with thin vaulted wood. The current interior is the result of a thorough restoration in 1942. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/barva-kyrka

Västerås Cathedral, the oldest parts of which date back to the 13th century, is well worth a visit. Its art treasures and modern contrasts are unusual in a shrine of this kind. http://visitvasteras.se/en/actor/vasteras-cathedral/

Växjö Domkyrka, the cathedral in Växjö is the main church of the Diocese of Växjö and is located on the edge of the modern city center of Växjö. The present ground plan of the church with its striking double tower spire dates from the 15th century, but some fragments are already from the 12th century. The first church on the site of today's Växjö Domkyrka was a small wooden church in the 11th century. According to legend, established on the initiative of the missionary and later canonized Saint Sigfrid. The diocese of Växjö was founded around 1170 and the first cathedral for the new bishops' seat was built. This first cathedral was built of natural stone, had a Romanesque ground plan with only one nave, a narrow chancel with a semicircular apse and a mighty tower. Parts of the old foundations and some pillars in today's main nave, as well as the masonry in the lower part of the church tower remained until today. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/vaexjoe-domkyrka-cathedral-vaexjoe

Bergunda church was probably built during the later part of the 12th century as a romanesque church. The church did not initially have a tower; it was added sometime during the 16th century. The church got its present look during a rebuild around 1825 to 1826, where both the in- and outside constructions were concerned. The longhouse is the oldest part of the church and it was built in the end of the 12th century. An expansion to the church was built between 1825 and 1826, which included the present choir, a wing with the sacristy and a balcony, which was meant to host the owners of Bergkvara castle. The balcony is called "the count's balcony" even today. The tower was built during the 16th century, as a defense tower against the danes, who's front was close by. The pulpit, the altarpiece, the altar cloth and the chasuble are all gifts from Bergkvara. The count had advowson, which means the right to appoint the priest, until 1921. https://www2.vaxjo-co.se/en/to-do/a550118/bergunda-church/showdetails

Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka) is the largest and tallest cathedral in the Nordic countries. Construction on the cathedral began around 1270, with consecration taking place in 1435. The church towers were added later in the 15th century. The exterior of the medieval cathedral is unknown. The building has undergone several major restorations. Also, the fact that the church of Sweden became Evangelical Lutheran in the 1500s has had an impact on the appearance of the cathedral. Uppsala is the see of the Church of Sweden’s archbishop since 1164 and the place where bishops of other dioceses are consecrated and priest and deacons of Uppsala diocese are being ordained. Until 1719 many coronations took place in the cathedral. The cathedral is used for services every day all year round. The cathedral’s attractions include the reliquary of Saint Erik (Sweden’s patron saint), a medieval Saint Anne altarpiece and the 18th century Baroque pulpit. Mary (The Return) by Anders Widoff, the candle trees by Olof Hellström and wooden sculpture tableaux by Eva Spångberg are appreciated examples of modern art in the cathedral. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/uppsala-cathedral/

The church, which bears the name of Sct. Laurentii,Saint Laurence, the seafarer's guardian saint, was probably buildt in the second half of the 14th century and was at that time the largest church in the region of Vendsyssel. http://www.visitnordjylland.com/ln-int/den-tilsandede-kirke-sandburied-church-gdk695262

Saint George’s church in Mariehamn is the only Åland mother church without a medieval background. It lies in the crossing of the Northern and Western Esplanades, facing north, thereby adversing from normal liturgical praxis. http://www.kyrkor.ax/churches/mariehamn-church/

St. Petri Church is both the oldest preserved church in the city and its oldest preserved brick building. In the 13th century, herring fishing helped Malmö to flourish as a trading town. The Malmö residents came into contact with the Hanseatic cities around the Baltic Sea. There they were inspired to build a new church that would correspond to the city's position. St. Petri Church was probably inaugurated in 1319. Around 1380 the church was completed. The apostle's Peter and Paul became the patron saints of the church. The church building has a tight exterior with pillars and arches. The brick walls are lightened by a few parts with different coloured and glazed bricks. As a building material, clay was used from the district, which was turned into a brick in Malmö. The cream parlour was created in the middle of the 15th century. On the outer walls of the chapel, there are about ten chalkstone figures representing various saints. https://svenskakyrkanmalmo.se/st-petri-kyrka/

Frederiksberg Church is located on Pile Allé and comes under Frederiksberg Parish. The church was built to drawings by the Dutch architect Felix Dusart. He carried out the work for the Protestant congregation of Ny-Hollænderbyen, which was built in the period from 1732–1734. http://visitfrederiksberg.dk/en/emne/historic-buildings/

Roskilde Cathedral is inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list. It is a unique and beautiful medieval cathedral. The Viking kings Harold Bluetooth (d. 985) and his son, Sweyn Forkbeard (d. 1014) conqueror of England is buried here. Almost 40 kings and queens of Denmark are buried here. http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-cathedral-world-heritage-gdk619579

The church together with the gates from dolomite and surrounding wall is under protection as architectural memory. The church built in 1790 is three-naved in low-key late classicistic style. Interesting is built at the same time three-part gate. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/kuressaare-st-nicholas-church

The church was probably built in the beginning of the 1200 by Esbern Snares daughter, Ingeborg. The groundplan comes from Asia Minor and has the shape of a Greek Cross. http://www.visitwestzealand.com/ln-int/church-our-lady-gdk617681

St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel on the island of Hirvensalo is also a pilgrimage for lovers of architecture. The mystical landscape sculpture was completed on the fringe of the archipelago nature in 2005. In addition to the ecclesiastical events the chapel also holds art exhibitions, tours and a variety of events from concerts to special celebrations. http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ecumenical-art-chapel_

Vor Frue Kirke (The Church of Our Lady) is the oldest church in the city, dating from the end of the 12th century. A wooden church stood on this site as early as the 10th century, later replaced by a church in granite. http://www.visitodense.com/ln-int/vor-frue-church-odense-gdk613138

Ridala Church is one of the most valuable churches in Läänemaa from the artistic point of view. It has been dedicated to Mary Magdalene whose figure in the church is one of the oldest sculptured figures in Estonia. This archaic sanctuary lacks a belfry. Be sure to take a look at the medieval paintings. The altar, the triumphal arch group and pulpit are also remarkable. In the churchyard the most valuable things are the trapezoid gravestones dating back to the 13th century with sun cross and arbour vitae motifs. The two massive stone crosses near the main entrance of the church are very old. Interesting facts: According to a folk tale the church was built by a giant maiden as a dwelling house. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/ridala-church#

Herning Church is designed by the architect Wiinholt, inaugurated in 1889 and today characterizes the centre of the town in a beautiful and natural way. http://www.visitherning.com/ln-int/herning-church-gdk607502

One of Pori’s most popular sights. Jusélius Mausoleum is located at the Käppärä Cemetery. It is one of Pori’s most popular sights and part of the Pori National Urban Park. The mausoleum was commissioned by local industrialist Fritz Arthur Jusélius for his daughter Sigrid, who died of tuberculosis, to be her last place of rest. Sigrid and Fritz Arthur Jusélius’ sarcophagi are on display in the mausoleum. Sigrid’s mother and sister are buried in the family grave close to the small chapel. The grave of Jusélius’ second wife is also close to the small chapel, and his third wife is buried next to the mausoleum. The Gothic Revival mausoleum was designed by the renowned church architect Josef Stenbäck. The ground slab of the mausoleum was cast in the beginning of the 20th century. Originally, the mausoleum was decorated with frescoes painted by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. However, the frescos began to deteriorate already in 1903. After the condition of the frescoes in the central hall became very poor, they were replaced one at a time with bronze reliefs by the sculptor Emil Cedercreutz by 1925. The current frescos were painted by artist Jorma Gallen-Kallela during 1933–1939 after drafts by his father, Akseli Gallen-Kallela. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/juselius-mausoleum-2531

The pretty Neo-Gothic church of Keski-Pori is in a beautiful setting on the shore of the river Kokemäenjoki. Known for its unusual cast-iron tower, the church was inaugurated in 1863. http://www.maisa.fi/en/tourist/to-see-and-do/keski-pori-church

St. Mary's Cathedral (Katedra Niepokalanego Poczecia N.M.P) is a gothic church erected between 1300-1333. Initially serving as a Catholic church, the building was from the 16th century till the end of World War II a temple for the Protestant faith. Since 1945 it again is a Catholic house of worship. http://www.visitpomerania.eu/cities/koszalin/attractions/saint-marys-cathedral/

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the largest brick church in the world, went through several stages of development over the period from 1343 to 1502. Its interior displays many exquisite pieces of Medieval and Baroque art, including the stone Pieta from about 1410, a copy of the Last Judgement by Hans Memling, the original canvas dating back to 1472, the astronomical clock built by Hans Düringer between 1464 and 1470 and the main altar put up between 1510 and 1517. http://www.gdansk.pl/en/for-tourists/Tourist-Attractions,a,12042

Saint Nicolai Church is from around 1250 and the oldest church in Kolding, but only few parts of the original building are preserved. http://www.visitkolding.dk/ln-int/sankt-nicolai-church-gdk608296

Built in the same location where the previous wooden church burned down in the turmoil of the Civil War. Ignited by Civil War artillery fire on Easter Saturday, 30 March 1918, the church burned down with its archives and original pauper statue, library in the sacristy and Elin Danielson-Gambog’s altarpiece “Jesus and the sinful woman” (1899), donated by Eva Ahlström. Due to financial reasons, the construction of the new church did not begin earlier than 15 years after the previous one burned down. With a grant from A. Ahlström Oy, Armas Lindgren drew the church in mediaeval style, and the current church was built in 1931–1933. The church was renovated in 1989 according to plans prepared by the architect Carl-Johan Slotte. The church built of Noormarkku granite has seating for approximately 500. Built in the mediaeval Finnish style as a single-nave church, the church was listed as a conservation site by the Finnish Heritage Agency in 2002. https://www.visitpori.fi/en/noormarkku-church-2617

Eliisabet's Church, inaugurated in 1750, is the most outstanding sacral building of the Baroque period in Estonia. The beautiful church in the centre of Pärnu invites you to step in and look around to see a pulpit in the Neo-Gothic style from the middle of the 19th century, the altar and the altarpiece “Resurrection”. One of the best organs in Estonia is in Eliisabet's Church and the place is popular as a concert hall among music lovers. Interesting to know! The church got its name from Russian Empress Jelizaveta thanks to whom the congregation got a Lutheran church. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/eliisabets-church-in-parnu

In 1874, the Häädemeeste Lutheran Church, which was built around the same time as an orthodox church, received a smaller but architecturally worthy opponent. The church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and is celebrated on the 29th of September in the year of celebration. https://www.visitparnu.com/avasta-parnu/kultuuripuhkus/2452/haeaedemeeste-mihkli-kirik

Exquisite altarpieces, medieval burial slabs and other works of religious art can be seen in this 1230-era church-turned-museum. Saints, dancing skeletons and silver – not to mention the occasional organ concert – are the main attractions here. https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/see-do/sightseeing/pid-174741/niguliste-museum-st-nicholas-church

Ribe Cathedral is visible for miles across the flat landscape, and it is amazing to think that travellers have been met by this sight since the middle of the 13th century when it was completed. Ribe Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Denmark. http://www.visitribe.com/ln-int/ribe-cathedral-gdk610468

The St. Mary's Church and St. - Marien - Church ( Danish : Before Frue Kirke ) is one of the main churches of the city of Flensburg . http://deacademic.com/dic.nsf/dewiki/917833

The Finnish Orthodox Church in Tapiola, Finland is dedicated to St. Herman of Alaska. Herman was a monk from the Valaam Monastery who, in 1793, left for missionary duty in the Alaskan archipelago. During the 40 years he spent in the Alaska region, he became an important spiritual teacher and defender of the local population. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/destination/church_tapiola_espoo/

The Church of the Saints Peter and Paul (Kościół św. Piotra i św. Pawła) was built on the place where already in the 12th century a wooden church was erected as part of the Christianization by bishop Otto von Bamberg. http://www.visitpomerania.eu/cities/szczecin/attractions/church-of-st-peter-and-paul/

Completed in 1969, Temppeliaukio Church is carved right from the bedrock in the center of Helsinki. The underground house of worship, called Temppeliaukion kirkko in Finnish, was designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the charmingly named Töölö neighborhood. On all sides of the circular church are roughly hewn stone, where sometimes water still seeps in to create miniature waterfalls. A dome coated with copper covers the rock church, with a skylight open in a belt below it to make the dome appear to hover. Even further below the church is a Cold War-era air raid shelter, which now serves as parking. Despite its cave-like appearance, Temppeliaukio Church actually has marvelous acoustics, where the sound beautifully bounces from the craggy stone. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/temppeliaukio-church

The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840): Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. A statue of Alexander II (1894) stands in the middle of the Senate Square. Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland's most famous and photographed building. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square. Today the building hosts the Helsinki City Museum. The Esplanade park and the Market Square are just a block away. The Senate Square also hosts a sound installation called the Sound of the Senate Square. It is a modern version of the European glockenspiel and can be heard every day at 17:49 as it travels from one building to the next. The composition runs for 5 minutes 18 seconds and is composed by Harri Viitanen and Jyrki Alakuijala. https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/sights/senate-square