A historic church in the very center of Stockholm has survived many reconstructions and even risen from the ashes.
Its history began almost 750 years ago, when King Magnus Ladulås ordered a convent and a church to be built here in honor of Clara, a saint greatly revered in Europe who founded the Order of Poor Clares.
The convent operated for about 250 years, but in the 16th century it was demolished together with the church by decree of King Gustav Vasa. However, his heir soon ascended the throne and ordered the church to be rebuilt. Thus began a new stage in the life of the church, which lasted about 200 years.
Then a severe fire broke out, destroying all of the interior decoration, as well as the tower in the western part of the building. The restoration of the church went on for almost a whole century, and only in 1886 was a new tower built. Its height reached 116 meters – it was the tallest building in the capital of Sweden. At the very top of the spire, a gilded rooster appeared, serving as a reminder that the church watches over the faithful.
One of the church facades is overgrown with shrubs, making it seem even older and a little mysterious. The interior decoration of the church is very rich: a marble floor, stained-glass windows, sculptures of angels, a carved pulpit, and most importantly, a stunning organ that is still in use today.
