One of the first sights that tourist encounter when in downtown Stockholm is one of the most beautiful religious objects in Sweden – the Church of Saint Claire. This is an Evangelical Lutheran temple. It is the highest building in Stockholm with 116 meters. The construction began in 1572, at the request of King John III, and it is built on the place where there used to be a monastery. The church was designed by the architect Hendrik van Hoeven. It is a mixture of neo-Gothic and baroque style, and in 1590 it was devoted to Clair of Assisi who founded the Order of Saint Claire, where the very name comes from.
The church was built with red bricks, as well as with gold-plated and black ribbons that stand out. There are as many as 35 bells, and the biggest one weighs 1.7000 kilograms, while the smallest one weighs as much as 20 kilograms. The latest reconstruction took place in far 1884. In the inside, white and gold colour are the most prominent. The main icon portrays a scene from the Bible, removing Christ from the crucifixion. The floor is marble, the benches are carved, and the ceiling is decorated with huge arches painted with religious themes. One of the most interesting attractions are the old organ that are still used to this day.
In the church’s vicinity there is an old cemetery where famous citizens of Stockholm used to be burred, staring from the 17th century. A number of artists, writers, politicians who contributed to, not only Stockholm’s, but Sweden’s development rest there today. Some of them are: Carl Michael Bellman (musician), Anna Maria Lenngren (writer), Nils Ferlin (poet). Their tombstones are architectural works of art. The Church of Saint Claire is the place of city’s charity activities, where refugees and the homeless can get food and clothes, and where drug addicts may seek mental help.
Admission to the church is free
Working hours of the Church of St. Clare: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 5 pm to 7.30 pm, Sunday is non-working.
Author of the article
Maja Glavaš, tour guide
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