Riddarholm Church, Church in Riddarholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
Riddarholm Church is a Gothic structure on Riddarholmen island featuring a distinctive cast-iron spire that rises above the Stockholm skyline. Its interior is characterized by medieval frescoes on the walls and contains the tombs of several Swedish monarchs.
Founded around 1270 as the Greyfriars Monastery and consecrated by 1292, when Magnus Ladulås was buried in the choir. It became a Lutheran parish church after the Reformation. From Gustav II Adolf's burial in 1634 it served as the royal burial church; 15 monarchs from Gustav II Adolf to Gustaf V rest here, all except Queen Christina.
When a knight of the Order of the Seraphim dies, his armorial plate is carried from the Royal Palace and hung on the church walls. The church has served as the order's church since 1807, and its bells ring without pause from 12:00 to 13:00 during the funeral.
The church is open as a museum during the summer months and for concerts, Seraphim bell-ringing ceremonies and special events. It is not a regular parish church: the only recurring services are a Christmas matinee run by Stockholm's scout district since 1937 and a Catholic Mass on 7 June for Queen Josephina. Check opening times before visiting.
When a knight of the Order dies, the church bells ring continuously from noon to 1 PM during the funeral ceremony. This tradition preserves a centuries-old tribute to the brotherhood to the present day.
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