Uppsala Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala and the largest church in Scandinavia. Its twin spires, 118.7 meters high, are the first thing most visitors notice in the city. Inside, the French Gothic ambulatory leads past the tombs of kings, King Eric IX, the scientist Carl Linnaeus and the scientist Anders Celsius. The stained glass, the altar and the pulpit from 1710 reward a slow walk. Entry is free for individual visitors.
How the cathedral was built
Construction began around 1270 and went on for more than 150 years. The cathedral was consecrated in 1435, and it was built in brick in a style inspired by French cathedrals such as Amiens and Reims, adapted to Nordic materials and building methods.
No drawings of the original medieval cathedral survive, and fire and age led to several major rebuilds. A fire in 1702 damaged the building, and the repairs that followed gave parts of it a Renaissance look. The twin spires that show up across the skyline were added in the late 19th century.
Inside the cathedral
The interior is French Gothic, with an ambulatory flanked by small chapels. The pulpit dates from 1710 and was designed by the baroque architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, who also designed the current Royal Palace in Stockholm. The altar and stained glass windows are the other pieces most visitors look at closely. A modern statue of the Virgin Mary stands inside as well.
The cathedral is also the traditional place for the coronation of new kings of Sweden. Monarchs were crowned here from medieval times until 1719.
Royal and scholarly graves
King Eric IX is buried here. He became the patron saint of Sweden. The tomb of King Gustav Vasa was sculpted by the Flemish Renaissance artist Willem Boy and is one of the main sights for many visitors.
The building also holds the graves of Carl Linnaeus, the botanist and father of taxonomy, and the scientist Anders Celsius. Kings Gustav I and Johan III, and Archbishop Nathan Söderblom, a Nobel Prize winner, are buried here too.
Outside and nearby
Take time to walk around the churchyard, where there are Rune stones. The cathedral cafe next door serves coffee and light lunches, so you can stop there before or after your visit.
Gamla Uppsala, the site of the first Uppsala cathedral, lies outside the city. It has ruins and a museum about the site. It is about a 15 minute bus ride from the train station, and guided tours in English run during the summer months.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free for individual visitors. Some guided tours and special events may have a fee.
How tall are the towers?
The twin spires reach 118.7 meters.
Can you hear the choir?
Sunday mass is when the choir sings during services. Visitors can attend a service.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Who is buried in the cathedral?
King Eric IX, King Gustav Vasa, Carl Linnaeus, Anders Celsius and Archbishop Nathan Söderblom are buried here.
