Curious how a monastery became a royal burial site? We are standing before Riddarholm Church. It is located on the island of Riddarholmen in Stockholm. This church is the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs.
Riddarholm Church’s story begins in the late 13th century. Franciscan monks established a monastery here. These monks were also known as Greyfriars because of their grey clothing. The church was completed in the early 14th century. It was built almost entirely out of brick. This was unusual for Sweden at the time.
After the Protestant Reformation, the monastery closed. The church then became Lutheran. It was expanded to include royal tombs. The chancel was designed in the Dutch Renaissance style. A tower was also added.
In 1835, disaster struck Riddarholm Church. A lightning strike caused a fire. The fire lasted three days. The tower spire collapsed. However, the interior of the church was saved. The spire was replaced with the cast-iron one that you see today. It is now an icon of the Stockholm skyline.
Riddarholm Church is one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings. Parts of it date back to the late 13th century. It is Stockholm’s only preserved monastery church.
Inside Riddarholm Church, you will notice the many coats of arms. These belong to the knights of the Royal Order of the Seraphim. When a knight dies, their coat of arms is hung in the church. The church bells ring special Seraphim chimes.
Swedish monarchs from Gustavus Adolphus to Gustaf V are entombed here. Earlier monarchs Magnus III and Charles VIII are also buried here. Only Queen Christina is absent. She is buried in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
There are three main royal tombs in Riddarholm Church. These are the Gustavian, Karolinska, and Bernadotte tombs. The Gustavian burial chancel was built for King Gustav II Adolf. He designed it himself before his death. His sarcophagus is made of dark marble from Italy. The Karolinska chapel is made of grey sandstone. Charles XII is buried in a black marble sarcophagus there. The Bernadotte chapel is the last addition to the church. King Karl XIV Johan’s sarcophagus is made of red garberg granite.
Riddarholm Church also contains five non-royal chapels. These were built by noble families in the 17th century. They demonstrate the influence of Swedish noble families.
The church is no longer an active parish. Today, Riddarholm Church is used only for burial and commemorative purposes. It stands as a symbol of Sweden’s royal history. Its walls echo with centuries of stories. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of architectural styles. Consider the lives of those laid to rest within these walls. Riddarholm Church offers a unique glimpse into Sweden’s past.