Skara Domkyrka

About Skara Domkyrka

Skara Domkyrka (Skara Cathedral), dedicated to Saint Mary, is located in the heart of Skara and belongs to the Diocese of Skara, which is the oldest diocese in Sweden. It is believed that Skara was where Christianity first gained a foothold in Sweden through contact with missionaries from places like England. The cathedral is a living parish church but also a powerful cathedral well worth a visit in its own right.

History

Skara Domkyrka has a long history, and it is thought that a wooden church stood on this site as early as the 11th century. Of this, only the crypt with its bishop's grave remains, and the current church, built from local sandstone (Broddetorp), began construction in the 12th century. The church has been rebuilt several times since then, partly due to fires but also due to various restorations that resulted in the grand cathedral standing here today.

Parts of the 12th-century church are preserved in the western towers with their colonnette windows (Romanesque column-divided windows) and in the form of some walled-in reliefs. The reliefs depict Pope Gregory, Adam and Eve, and part of the Legend of Saint Stephen.

Skara during the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Skara was a true metropolis (with its 900 inhabitants) and an important stronghold for both the church and kings. This left its mark on the church, which grew significantly during this time, partly through the raising of its nave. At the end of the 14th century, as well as during the late Middle Ages and the period after the Reformation in 1566 (when the Danes ravaged the city) and 1719, fires led to new reconstructions of the church.

The current cathedral

Skara's current cathedral, however, obtained its appearance mainly through extensive and relatively modern reconstructions. These were partly initiated by the Superintendent Helgo Zettervall, who between 1886 and 1894 wanted to restore the church to its former Gothic style.

However, the style was likely exaggerated in several ways, and the church took on a new appearance more like a basilica with three naves. The church also suffered fires in the early 20th century and as recently as the early 1940s, leading to further recent renovations.

Skara bôxer

'Skara bôxer' (Skara trousers) is a nickname for Skara Domkyrka that you can still encounter today. The expression originated when the church was fitted with two tall, flat towers between 1809 and 1810. People in the area thought the church looked like a pair of trousers—a saying that lives on today, even though the church now has grand, tall, pointed spires.

Sights to see

The cathedral houses several sights that make it well worth a visit; see some of them listed below. Please keep in mind that it is a living parish church, and baptisms, weddings, or funerals may be taking place, which will naturally affect those wishing to visit as tourists. You can find more information about opening hours on the website.

• Grand architecture – the building itself with its High Gothic architecture.
• Medieval reliefs – historic stone carvings integrated into the walls.
• The Soop funerary monument – a magnificent monument of marble and alabaster built in 1636 for the knight and colonel Erik Soop.
• Beautiful mosaic windows – featuring detailed motifs created by the artist Bo Beskow.
• The Crypt – downstairs beneath the church, you will find the medieval crypt.
• Treasures – The church houses several valuable treasures, including a gold chalice with enamel and diamonds, gifted to the church by Erik Soop.