Linköping Cathedral
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The Linköping Cathedral (in Swedish: Linköpings domkyrka) is a church in the Swedish city of Linköping. The cathedral is the seat for the bishop in the Church of Sweden Diocese of Linköping.
[edit] History
The current church is about 800 years old. However, its history starts in the 11th century, when a wooden church was built at the location. Then, around 1120, a stone church was being constructed; a basilica of about half the size of the building of today. Its length is 110 meters and the hight of the tower is 107 meters.
Around 1230 it became necessary to construct a larger church, as the basilica had become too small. The church was extended to the east, with a new choir and transept. These parts, remain as part of the modern church. The current altar piece was also from that time.
The next extension of the church was made following the coronation of Valdemar of Sweden, in 1251. This time the main building was constructed, and the church received its current length.
At the start of the 15th century, 1408-1420, the chapels were constructed in Gothic architecture, with large windows and star shaped vaults. The chapels were named after Saint Andreas (later renamed to Mary), S:t Nicolaus and S:t Thomas.
Fire damaged the roof of the church in 1546 and 1567. The tower was rebuilt between 1747–1758, again between 1877–1886 by Helgo Zettervall. However, a restoration was made in 1967, restoring the shape of the 17th century roof.
[edit] External link
