The one-time venue for royal weddings and coronations, Storkyrkan is both Stockholm’s oldest building (consecrated in 1306) and its cathedral.
Behind a baroque facade, the Gothic-baroque interior includes extravagant royal-box pews designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, as well as German Berndt Notke’s dramatic sculpture St George and the Dragon, commissioned by Sten Sture the Elder to commemorate his victory over the Danes in 1471.
Start your viewing right in the entry and look up for the details that overhang the entryway. Also look out for the Parhelion painting, one of the oldest images of medieval Stockholm. The tower was recently renovated and the physically fit can climb stairs to the top for excellent views of Stockholm – unfortunately there is no elevator. Classical music concerts are hosted here, advertised on notice boards by the adjacent garden.
Guided tours and audio tours are available at the front desk but only until the early afternoon so get there early. The church opens a little earlier in the summer months so you could start here before heading to the Royal Palace and before the crowds arrive.
