Vårfruberga Abbey, Medieval Cistercian monastery ruins in Strängnäs Municipality, Sweden
Vårfruberga Abbey is a medieval monastic complex whose stone foundations and wall sections remain visible near Lake Mälaren, marking where monks once lived and worked. The site shows the layout of the former religious community through its structural remains.
The monastery was founded around 1200 and initially operated under a different name before being relocated and renamed in the late 1200s. It ceased functioning in 1527 when the Swedish Reformation led to the dissolution of religious communities across the kingdom.
The abbey church featured a Latin cross design with three aisles and a short transept, following traditional Cistercian architectural principles.
The site is located in a calm rural area and is easy to reach for those interested in medieval history. Good walking shoes are recommended since the ground is uneven and you can explore the ruins from multiple vantage points.
Excavations conducted between 1991 and 1992 uncovered traces of a medieval fortification by the water, showing that this religious community had defensive structures. This discovery reveals how monks adapted their monasteries to their natural surroundings and practical needs.
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