Västerås Cathedral, Västerås, Sweden

The oldest parts of Västerås Cathedral date from the 13th century. It was originally built as a triple-aisled basilica in the 1230s and inaugurated in 1271. The cathedral was rebuilt and enlarged during the next two centuries. The tower was erected around 1420. The steeple was added in 1691 and it was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger.

The most famous person buried to the Västerås Cathedral is King Erik XIV, the son of Gustav Vasa. The highlights of the interior are three beautiful triptychs, although there is much other fine interior furniture, including the pulpit.

References:

Marianne Mehling et al. Knaurs Kulturführer in Farbe. Schweden. München 1987.
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User Reviews

Dilan Munasinghe (9 months ago)
I highly recommend visiting this church if you're traveling Västerås. The architecture is beautiful and rich with history, making it a must see for anyone interested in cultural landmarks.

Christer Sandahl (9 months ago)
This is a very beautiful cathedral, with many altarpieces, both catholics and protestants. Since the cathedral is very old, a lot of ancient familiar exhibits their coats of arms, as patrons and donators of the church. Also Swedish ancient kings have their graves in the church flor.

Maria Haritou (2 years ago)
Exceptionally polite personnel. Beautiful sculpture depicting the life of Christ.

Sara McGuff (2 years ago)
Beautifully preserved medieval church with countless pieces of art and history on every wall and tucked in every corner. Make sure to look in the treasury in the northwest corner (left side after you enter) for amazing artifacts and to learn about this church's place in the history of the Reformation in Sweden. Staff are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

Benno Changor (3 years ago)
Wonderful ancient cathedral of the swedish church. The copper lights are beautiful. The museum inside tells the historical journey of the Church and the clergy from the beginning. A must place to visit.

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Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Västerås Cathedral

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