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Riddarholmen Church facts for kids

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Riddarholmen Church
Riddarholmskyrkan
Rhkyrkan fr staden.jpg
Riddarholmen Church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm
Location Riddarholmen, Stockholm
Country Sweden
Denomination Church of Sweden
Administration
Parish Riddarholmen (up to 1807)

Riddarholmen Church (called Riddarholmskyrkan in Swedish) is a very old church in Stockholm, Sweden. It used to be part of a monastery long ago. Today, it's famous because it's the special burial place for many Swedish kings and queens.

About Riddarholmen Church

Riddarholmen Church is on an island called Riddarholmen. This island is very close to the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The church stopped being a regular church for people to attend in 1807. Now, it is mainly used for burials and special events to remember important people.

Many Swedish monarchs are buried here. This includes kings from Gustavus Adolphus (who died in 1632) to Gustaf V (who died in 1950). Only one queen, Christina, is buried somewhere else, in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Older kings like Magnus III (who died in 1290) and Charles VIII (who died in 1470) are also buried here.

The church is no longer used for new royal burials. The newer royal cemetery is called the Royal Cemetery. Today, the Swedish Government and Royal Court take care of Riddarholmen Church.

The Church's History and Style

Riddarholmen Church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm. Some parts of it were built in the late 1200s. Back then, it was a greyfriars monastery.

After the Protestant Reformation, the monastery closed. The building then became a Lutheran church. A tall spire was added later by an architect named Willem Boy. But this spire was hit by lightning on July 28, 1835, and was destroyed. The spire you see today is made of cast-iron and was built to replace the old one.

The church's age shows in its mix of building styles. Most of the church is built in the Gothic style, which was popular in Northern Europe. But some parts also have a Baroque look.

Special Traditions at the Church

There is a special tradition at Riddarholmen Church. When a knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim dies, their family crest is placed on the church walls. This order is a very important Swedish award.

When a knight passes away, their coat of arms is brought from the royal palace to the church. During their funeral, the church bells ring without stopping for one hour, from 12:00 to 13:00.

Gallery

  • Stockholm, Riddarholmskyrkan - KMB - 16001000546003

    Inside Riddarholmen Church, looking towards the main altar.

  • Stockholm, Riddarholmskyrkan - KMB - 16001000546019 cropped

    Inside Riddarholmen Church, looking towards the organ.

  • Stockholm, Riddarholmskyrkan - KMB - 16001000546001

    Royal tombs and the family crests of knights.

  • Riddarholmskyrkan postcard

    Riddarholmen Church in the early 1900s.

See also

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