The cube. That’s the first thing you notice about Akalla kyrka. A perfect cube of dark red brick. Rising above the surrounding buildings it stands stark and bold. This is Akalla kyrka in Stockholm.
Akalla kyrka isn’t just any church. It’s a story of changing hands and evolving faith. Initially a collaborative project between the EFS and the Swedish Church it served a dual purpose. In 2016 the Swedish Church took sole ownership. Then in 2020 a significant shift happened. The Syriac Catholic Church bought Akalla kyrka. It’s now their home.
Architect Hans Wieland designed this striking structure. He envisioned a building 15 meters in each dimension. A perfect cube. The interior is equally intriguing. The church’s only altarpiece is a tall wooden cross. A simple but powerful symbol of faith. An eight-sided baptismal font supports a silver baptismal bowl. Overhead a magnificent circular chandelier hangs from the ceiling. It’s five meters wide. Twelve clusters of six lamps each illuminate the space.
The church isn’t just about its interior. Observe its unique surroundings. Notice the horseshoe-shaped plan of the buildings. They create a courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard sits a unique bell tower. It’s a tall metal cross. It doesn’t ring with traditional bells. Instead. It uses speakers for an artificial chime.
Akalla kyrka isn’t merely a building. It is a living testament to faith. Its history reflects the changing religious landscape of Stockholm. Its architecture is both striking and simple. It stands as a symbol of the Syriac Catholic Church. A place of worship a place of peace. A place of significant history. A place for the community to gather. A cube of brick and faith. This is Akalla kyrka.