Riddarholmen, Medieval architectural ensemble on Riddarholmen Island, Stockholm, Sweden.
Riddarholmen is a medieval architectural ensemble on an island in Stockholm featuring stone buildings and the notable Riddarholm Church. The church's cast-iron spire rises distinctly above the surrounding roofline.
The Knights of Saint John settled on this island in the 13th century, giving it the name meaning Knights' Island. From that time onward, the place became central to Swedish nobility and governance.
The church walls here display coats of arms from deceased members of the Royal Order of the Seraphim across centuries. These plaques show the lasting connection between this place and Swedish nobility through the ages.
The area is walkable and bridges several Stockholm neighborhoods on foot. The nearby T-Gamla Stan train station provides convenient access for those using public transportation.
Burial vaults beneath the church floor hold several Swedish kings, including Gustav II Adolf, Karl XII, and Oscar II. These hidden royal tombs are often overlooked by visitors despite their significance to Sweden's royal history.
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