The tombs of kings and queens, coats of arms and an interpretation of a scene from the Divine Comedy contribute to this church’s majestic interior.
Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is the dominant landmark of the architecturally impressive island of Riddarholmen. Established in the 16th century, it incorporates parts of a 13th-century medieval abbey and Franciscan monastery. Until 1950, this was the final resting place of Swedish monarchs. Today the towers and spires of Riddarholmen rise above the rooftops of Stockholm’s picturesque Gamla Stan historic quarter.
The church interior is a treasure trove of regal artefacts. Walk past the huge archways of the main nave to the chancel, where the tombs of medieval rulers Magnus Ladulås and Karl Knutsson Bonde sit side by side. In the Caroline Crypt rests King Charles XI, his wife and some of their children, who died in infancy. Note the elaborate black marble sarcophagus of Gustav II Adolph.
One of the most flamboyant of all the sarcophagi is that of Karl XIV Johan. This red granite tomb allegedly took 8 years to build and takes pride of place in the Bernadotte Chapel. Don’t miss the relief by Stockholm-born sculptor Liss Eriksson. It represents Dante’s Paradise from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
Look for the Haga Wall, adorned with the seraphim shields of members of the Swedish royal family buried at the Royal Cemetery in Haga Park. Also of interest are the coats of arms of the knights of the Royal Order of the Seraphim. As part of a knight’s funeral, their coat of arms is hung on the church wall and the bell is rung.
The church stands in the heart of Riddarholmen island, which forms part of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan old town. It’s a 5-minute walk from Gamla Stan metro station. Other nearby attractions include the Royal Palace and The House of Nobility.
Riddarholmen Church is open to the public from April to November and there’s an admission fee. Purchase a combined ticket for discounted admission to the church and the Royal Palace. Guided tours for groups are available for a fee and upon prior request via the church’s official website.
