Uppsala Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala and the primate church of the Church of Sweden. Construction began in the late 13th century, following the relocation of the archiepiscopal see from Gamla Uppsala to the current site. Designed primarily in the French Gothic style, the cathedral was consecrated in 1435 and has served as the traditional site for the coronation of Swedish monarchs for centuries.
The structure has undergone significant modifications over time, most notably during the late 19th-century restoration led by Helgo Zettervall, which introduced the prominent Neo-Gothic spires. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Eric, the patron saint of Sweden, and serves as the final resting place for numerous historical figures, including King Gustav Vasa and the botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Limestone
- Civilization
- Swedish
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1273 - 1435
- Condition
- Active Lutheran Cathedral
- Original Function
- Catholic Cathedral
- Key Figures
- King Eric IX, Gustav Vasa, Carl Linnaeus, Helgo Zettervall
Foundations and Construction
13th - 15th CenturyFollowing the decision to move the archiepiscopal see, construction began under the guidance of French master builders. The cathedral was built using the brick Gothic style common in the Baltic region, with a design inspired by French cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris.
Reformation and Royal Significance
16th - 18th CenturyThe Protestant Reformation in the 16th century transformed the cathedral from a Catholic center to a Lutheran one. Despite the theological shift, it retained its status as the coronation site for Swedish kings and a repository for royal tombs.
Neo-Gothic Restoration
19th CenturyThe cathedral underwent a massive restoration project between 1885 and 1893. Architect Helgo Zettervall significantly altered the exterior, adding the tall, slender spires that define the current skyline of Uppsala.
Cultural Significance
Uppsala Cathedral is a cornerstone of Swedish national identity, representing the historical intersection of religious authority and royal power. As the burial place of monarchs and national icons, it functions as a pantheon of Swedish history. Its architecture serves as a physical record of the transition from medieval Catholic influence to the established Lutheran state church.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
The 19th-century restoration by Helgo Zettervall remains a subject of debate among architectural historians. Critics argue that his heavy-handed Neo-Gothic additions obscured the original medieval character of the building, while others view the restoration as a necessary preservation effort that saved the structure from further decay.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily to the public. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor as it is an active place of worship.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The cathedral is particularly significant during the annual celebration of Saint Eric's Day in May.
Photography
Photography is permitted for personal use without flash. Tripods and commercial photography require prior authorization from the cathedral administration.
Nearby POIs
2 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]The Gothic Cathedral: Architecture of the Middle Ages — Christopher Wilson. Thames & Hudson (2004)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Limestone
- Civilization
- Swedish
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible