The spire gleams against the Stockholm sky. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city, the Maria Magdalena Church, a testament to both time and faith. It’s also known as “Maria kyrka,” meaning “Mary’s Church.” It was built in the late 1500s by King John III, replacing a previous chapel that was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The Church is a classic example of Baroque architecture, with its slender spire and intricate details. Its history, however, is much more fascinating. A devastating fire ripped through the city in 1759, destroying much of the church, including the spire.
And here’s a smart-aleck fact for you: the fire, known as the “Maria Fire,” engulfed 300 buildings, almost destroying the whole neighborhood, and even the spire was damaged, making a new one necessary. The church was rebuilt in a Rococo style by Carl Johan Cronstedt, giving it the look we see today. But the original design by the Tessin family, father and son, is still visible in the church’s interior. The church’s altarpiece, depicting the “Adoration of the Shepherds,” is a masterpiece by artist Louis Masreliez.
If you have a chance to visit Maria kyrka, be sure to take a stroll in the churchyard. You’ll find the graves of some famous Swedes, including the poet Evert Taube, perhaps the most famous Swedish poet of the 20th century. The churchyard is as much a part of the story as the church itself, a place where memories linger.
Enjoy strolling through the churchyard. Look around for the resting places of famous Swedes. There will be a story waiting for you, just around the corner.