S:t Matteus Församling

A timeless beauty stands before you. This is S:t Matteus Församling, a place where history whispers through stained glass and stone. S:t Matteus Församling is a church in Vasastan, Stockholm, built in the early 1900s. It wasn’t always a church though, it started as a chapel called Matteuskapellet, belonging to the Adolf Fredriks församling. This was one of the largest churches in Stockholm in the 19th century but was divided in 1906 and the little chapel was upgraded, becoming a full-fledged parish church. The building was envisioned as a mixture of Jugendstil and Gothic styles, a blend of artistic movements that gave it a unique appeal. A renowned architect, Erik Lallerstedt, was commissioned to design the chapel, but his original plans were rejected. Gustaf Sällström was the original architect, but his plans for the chapel were rejected. Lallerstedt’s designs were finally approved in 1901, the construction completed two years later. The chapel was consecrated, coinciding with the first Advent on November 29th, 1903, by Archbishop Johan August Ekman. Originally, it was meant for the less privileged members of society, a place of spiritual solace and community. The chapel then had a library and reading room for workers. Step inside S:t Matteus Församling. The entrance leads to a spacious hall featuring whitewashed walls and cross vaults. You will also find a statue of St. Matthew, sculpted by Ivar Jonsson, in a niche. Walk up the stairs and into the spacious church hall. The architecture blends both Gothic and Jugendstil styles, a beautiful marriage of artistic movements. The building itself is oriented north-south, and its nave is a hall church with an impressive tower. The robust exterior, built with a granite base and kalksten facades, is imposing. The church’s unique personality comes from its eight-sided tower above the main entrance and the high tower at the back. Also, take note of the beautiful stained glass rose window overlooking Vanadisvägen. S:t Matteus Församling is a place where centuries of faith and history mingle, making this church a vibrant hub of spiritual life in the heart of Vasastan.