Gustaf Vasa Church stands proudly as a bastion of faith and architectural magnificence in the heart of Odenplan, Stockholm. This monumental edifice, inaugurated on June 10, 1906, serves as the parish church of the Gustaf Vasa parish within the Stockholm Diocese.

Located in the Syrenen Block in Vasastaden, the church was built starting in 1901, following the division of the Adolf Fredrik parish. Today, it continues to serve as a place of worship, cultural heritage, and community gathering—a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and architecture in Stockholm.

Historical Significance

The need for a new church arose with the division of the Adolf Fredrik parish, leading to the establishment of the Gustaf Vasa parish and the Sankt Matteus parish. While the division took place in 1906, the decision was made earlier due to the burgeoning population in Norrmalm. The church’s location at Odenplan was formerly known as “the pit,” and significant groundwork was required during construction.

Inauguration and Architectural Design

Architect Agi Lindegren was the mastermind behind the design of Gustaf Vasa Church, which boasts Neo-Gothic architecture with elements of Italian Baroque influence. It features a cruciform layout with a majestic dome towering over 60 meters high, reminiscent of Italian late Baroque churches. The church’s orientation is west-east, with its magnificent east facade facing Odenplan, the square adjacent to the church.

Artistic Portals

The main portal depicts Gustav Vasa receiving the Swedish Bible, based on a fresco by Johan Gustaf Sandberg in Uppsala Cathedral. The northern and southern portals bear inscriptions in Latin, while the western portal leads to the crypt and columbarium, featuring symbols of mortality and salvation.

Interior Grandeur

The interior of Gustaf Vasa Church is equally breathtaking, with three galleries overlooking the nave. Baroque influences are evident in the marble decor, gray pilasters, and vaulted ceilings adorned with biblical quotations. Frescoes by artist Vicke Andrén depict scenes from the Bible, while the corner chapels are dedicated to the four evangelists.

One of the three church bells bears the following inscription:

“UT UR MIN SKÄLFVANDE KOPPARBARM MANANDE RÖSTER LJUDA: STILLHET Ã…T EDER BJUDA, SABBATSSTILLHET I STADENS LARM, HVILA Ã…T JÄKTANDE TRÄLAR, NÃ…D Ã…T FÖRKROSSADE SJÄLAR, GRAFVENS STILLHET Ã…T 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.”