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Monday, February 10, 2025

Gustaf Vasa Church
– A Historic Architectural Gem in Stockholm's Vibrant Odenplan

Gustaf Vasa Church: A faithful monument of splendor

In the center of Odenplan, Stockholm, the Gustaf Vasa Church (Gustav Vasa Kyrka) is a stronghold of faith and architectural splendor. This monumental edifice, inaugurated on June 10, 1906, serves as the parish church of the Gustaf Vasa parish within the Stockholm Diocese.

Discover Gustaf Vasa Church

If you are considering a trip to Stockholm, you will find the Gustaf Vasa Church a fascinating destination that combines culture, history, and breathtaking architecture. This famous church is proudly located close to Odenplan, one of the city’s main transit hubs, in the bustling Vasastan neighborhood.

Vasastan is a quaint neighborhood that offers a delightful backdrop for your exploration thanks to its trendy boutiques, lovely parks, and cozy cafes. Odenplan itself is a busy square where you can feel the vibrant energy of the community. In essence, it is the ideal place to start your visit to Gustaf Vasa Church because of its handy location.

Location and historical significance

The construction of the church, which is situated in Vasastaden’s Syrenen Block, began in 1901 after the Adolf Fredrik parish was divided. A new church was needed because of the growing population of Norrmalm. The Gustaf Vasa parish and the Sankt Matteus parish were thus established as a result. Once known as “the pit,” the Odenplan site needed extensive preparation before construction could start.

Today, it continues to serve as a center for community meetings, a house of worship, and a storehouse of cultural heritage. The church serves as a reminder of Stockholm’s resilient religious and architectural traditions.

Architectural wonder

Architect Agi Lindegren conceived the design of the church, and it features Neo-Gothic architecture influenced by Italian Baroque. In addition, the church has a cruciform design. The magnificent dome, reminiscent of late Baroque churches in Italy, rises more than 60 meters. Additionally, with its magnificent east facade facing Odenplan, the church is oriented west-east.

Grand interiors and artistic portals

The artistic portals are among the most alluring features of Gustaf Vasa Church. The main portal, based on a fresco by Johan Gustaf Sandberg in Uppsala Cathedral, shows Gustav Vasa receiving the Swedish Bible. The western portal leads to the crypt and columbarium and displays symbols of salvation and mortality, while Latin inscriptions adorn the northern and southern portals.

The church’s interior is equally stunning. The marble decorations, gray pilasters, and vaulted ceilings with biblical quotations all have Baroque influences. The building has three galleries that overlook the nave. Moreover, the four evangelists are honored in the corner chapels, and biblical scenes are portrayed in frescoes painted by Vicke Andrén.

The following is inscribed on one of the three church bells:

“UT UR MIN SKÄLFVANDE KOPPARBARM MANANDE RÖSTER LJUDA: STILLHET ÅT EDER BJUDA, SABBATSSTILLHET I STADENS LARM, HVILA ÅT JÄKTANDE TRÄLAR, NÅD ÅT FÖRKROSSADE SJÄLAR, GRAFVENS STILLHET ÅT RIK OCH ARM, JORDEN DEM ALLA GÖMMER, HERREN ALLENA DÖMER.”

which translated means:

“OUT FROM MY TREMBLING COPPER WOMB SUMMONING VOICES RESOUND: SILENCE TO YOU I OFFER, SABBATH SILENCE IN THE CITY’S NOISE, REST TO THE TOILING SLAVES, GRACE TO THE CRUSHED SOULS, GRAVE’S QUIET TO RICH AND POOR, THE EARTH HIDES THEM ALL, THE LORD ALONE SHALL JUDGE.”

Conclusion

A trip to Gustaf Vasa Church is sure to be unforgettable. It essentially captures the spirit of Swedish community, art, and faith. Include it on your next trip to Stockholm; it’s a true testament to the city’s architectural splendor and historical significance.

TargetMarker

Attraction Info

Gustaf Vasa Church
Gustaf Vasa kyrka

Address

Karlbergsvägen 1-5
Odenplan, Stockholm

Contact

+46 (0)8 508 88600
https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/gustafvasa
gustaf-vasa.forsamling@svenskakyrkan.se

Getting there

T-Odenplan.
Definitely.
Street parking.

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