Tyresö kyrka

Did Gabriel Oxenstierna envision his final rest as he commissioned Tyresö kyrka? Here we stand before Tyresö kyrka, a magnificent testament to his vision. It’s hard to believe that this serene sanctuary’s first service was Oxenstierna’s own funeral in 1641. He built this church, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, near his Tyresö Palace between 1638 and 1640. The bricks, made right here in Tyresö, glow warmly in the sunlight. The church, a hall church design, is filled with light streaming through tall, pointed arched windows. Imagine the grand opening, overshadowed by the passing of its patron. A fire in 1790 tragically destroyed the tower and roof. Sadly, due to financial constraints, the spire was never rebuilt. Instead, a low pyramid roof replaced it, altering the church’s silhouette forever. Inside, the Oxenstierna family rests in a vault beneath the choir. Copper and tin coffins, once adorned with rich textiles, hold the remains of Gabriel, his first wife Märta Bielke, their son Gustav, his wife Maria Sofia de la Gardie, and their daughter Gustava Oxenstierna and her husband Kristoffer Gyllenstierna. Tyresö kyrka continues to serve the community, hosting services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The tranquil setting, amidst meadows and lush trees, with Tyresö Castle as a backdrop, makes it a sought-after wedding venue. Tyresö kyrka is more than just a church; it is a living piece of history, a place of quiet reflection, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Gabriel Oxenstierna.