Mariakyrkan

How many secrets can a single church hold? Mariakyrkan, right here on Södermalm, whispers stories of kings and queens, poets and inventors, and even a touch of fiery drama. Mariakyrkan isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a time capsule, layered with history dating back to the 1350s. Back then, King Magnus Eriksson, with the Pope’s blessing, built a funeral chapel here, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The details of this early structure are shrouded in mystery, but imagine a small chapel, a single nave, and a towering spire reaching for the sky. Fast forward to the 1520s. Gustav Vasa’s troops, led by Peder Fredag, used the chapel as a base. During a Danish attack, they suffered heavy losses. This tragic event likely fueled Vasa’s decision to destroy religious buildings on the surrounding ridges after embracing Protestantism. The chapel of Mary Magdalene was not spared. The story of Mariakyrkan doesn’t end there. In 1588, King John III began construction of a new church on this very spot. His death halted the project, leaving it unfinished until 1634. The church we see today, with its Baroque grandeur, is largely thanks to the Tessin father and son architectural duo. The spire, once the pride of Stockholm, met a fiery end in 1759, along with hundreds of buildings in the area. Inside Mariakyrkan, treasures abound. The high altar painting, “The Adoration of the Shepherds,” by Louis Masreliez, captures the spirit of the nativity. A Baroque pulpit by Carl Johan Cronstedt, with a medallion of Mary Magdalene, stands as a testament to the church’s namesake. Not one, not two, but three organs grace Mariakyrkan: one from 1774 designed by Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz, a 50-stop organ from 1927, and a smaller choir organ installed in 1986. A baptismal font from 1638, remarkably unscathed by fires and renovations, is one of the church’s most precious artifacts. Beneath our feet lie ancient burial chambers, whispering tales of those who came before. The church grounds hold burial chapels. One even serves the Finnish Orthodox Church in Sweden. Mariakyrkan is the final resting place for prominent figures like Lasse Lucidor, Erik Johan Stagnelius, and the beloved troubadour, Evert Taube. Their spirits linger here, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Mariakyrkan. This church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to Stockholm’s resilience, its artistic spirit, and its enduring faith.