The church has a long history which stretches back to 1270, when a Franciscan priory was founded on what is now Riddarholm. The Franciscan order was established in Italy in the early 13th century by Francis of Assisi, and came to Sweden in the 1220s.

When was the Riddarholmen Church built?

1290) and Charles VIII (d. 1470). Riddarholmen church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, parts of it dating to the late 13th century, when it was built as a greyfriars monastery. After the Protestant Reformation, the monastery was closed and the building transformed into a Protestant church.

Where are Swedish monarchs buried?

Riddarholmen Church (Swedish: Riddarholmskyrkan) is the church of the former medieval Greyfriars Monastery in Stockholm, Sweden. The church serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. Riddarholmen Church is located on the island of Riddarholmen, close to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.

Is the Swedish royal family French?

House of Bernadotte, royal dynasty of Sweden, from 1818. The name derives from a family of old lineage of Béarn, France, whose earliest known member (17th century) owned an estate in Pau known as “Bernadotte.”

What is Sweden’s main religion?

While Christianity continues to be the largest religion in Sweden, membership to other religious organisations is growing, primarily because of the increasing immigrant population. Christianity has a longstanding presence in Sweden.

What is Riddarholm Church used for?

Riddarholm Church ( Swedish: Riddarholmskyrkan) is the church of a former medieval abbey in Stockholm, Sweden. The church serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. Riddarholm Church is located on the island of Riddarholmen, close to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.

Where is Riddarholmen in Stockholm?

Riddarholmen is a small island in central Stockholm. It is part of Gamla Stan, the Old Town. However many tourists don’t find here and so it is much quieter. There are a number of private palaces dating back to the 17th century.

Who is buried in the Riddarholmen Church?

With the one exception of Queen Christina, all succeeding rulers of Sweden from Gustav II Adolf (d. 1632) to Gustaf V (d. 1950) are buried in the Riddarholmen Church. Kings from the middle ages are also buried here such as Magnus Ladulås and Karl Knutson Bonde (d. 1470).

What is the significance of Riddarholmskyrkan?

Riddarholmskyrkan, early 20th century. Riddarholm Church (Swedish: Riddarholmskyrkan) is the church of a former medieval abbey in Stockholm, Sweden. The church serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. Riddarholm Church is located on the island of Riddarholmen, close to the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.