Vadstena Travel Guide

 Diana75 Says:  It is said that Birgitta received the command from Jesus Christ to found a new order, a new convent while she was still living in Alvastra.She told everything to her confessor who translated all into Latin. The convent it was supposed to include both men and women, under the... 

 Diana75 Says:  Located at 25km from Vadstena, Alvastra was home of the largest monastery in Sweden.Alvastra Monastery was founded by Cistercian French monks in 1143 and was the first of this order built in Scadinavia.The core of the monastery was the church build of limestone from Omberg... 

 Diana75 Says:  I've always loved the small harbors with colorful boats and blue water and Vadstena harbor is one of the most picturesque I've ever seen.It was a real delight to walk along the shore of Lake Vattern from the Abbey Church to the Castle and enjoy this wonderful view. 

 Diana75 Says:  The castle was very modern for the time when it was built, with 9m high walls, ramparts and a drawbridge.The wedding of Gustav Vasa and his third wife, Katarina Stenbock in 1552 was also celebrated in a wooden house built in the courtyard and he also used this house as... 

 Diana75 Says:  The old altarpiece, which can be found behind the altar, is without any doubt another treasure of the Abbey Church.This triptych is made of painted wood and, although it was badly damaged during the years, the beauty of the representations is evident. See more in my Details... 

 Diana75 Says:  Vadstena is situated on the shores of Lake Vattern, Sweden's second largest lake after Lake Vanern.With an average depth of 38m the lake is known for its rough waters and often strong winds. 

 Diana75 Says:  The building of the castle began in 1545 and it was not finished before 1620.Built initially as a fortress by king Gustav Vasa, it was transformed into a castle in 1555 by king Johan III, son of Gustav Vasa.During the years members of the royal family lived here but around... 

 Diana75 Says:  The tombs inside the church belong only to rich people who had enough money to buy a place. Most of them were noblemen, craftsmen or priests.Inside the church there is also the coffin of Gustav Wasa's son, Duke Magnus. 

 Diana75 Says:  Birgitta gave accurate instructions regarding the building of the church and one of these was related to the decoration. She didn't think that the abbey should be decorated. It seems that one of the few exceptions is the decorative paintings of the arches, found during the... 

 Diana75 Says:  The abbey of Vadstena had great treasures received from kings and queens. Some of these treasures are still kept in the church and one is definitely the altarpiece together with the triumphal crucifix, one of the most beautiful in Sweden. 

 Diana75 Says:  And this is another example to confirm my theory that Vadstena is not a conventional place after all.What do you think about this beautiful lady who?s having her beauty walk around the Castle? 

 Diana75 Says:  It looked like a car but I was not pretty sure about it.In spite of everything, Vadstena could be a traditional place but is indubitable not that conventional. 

 Diana75 Says:  This is, without any doubt, a must in Vadstena, as it is the perfect way to enjoy the town's idyllic medieval atmosphere.The narrow streets in town are surrounded by beautiful wooden houses, some of them dating from the 16th century when only rich people could afford to live... 

 Diana75 Says:  Together with the old statues and altarpieces, the stained glass windows are among the few adornments in the church.There are particular beautiful representations of St. Birgitta on the stained glass windows. 

 Diana75 Says:  Inside the church on the right side we have found an interesting exhibition of glass objects decorated with religious symbols.On one of them was painted the symbol of the Pilgrims center in Vadstena. 

 Diana75 Says:  Once there used to be around 60 altars in the church but during the years most of them disappeared.The groups of pilgrims accompanied by a priest coming to Vadstena sanctuary can also arrange to hold a mass in the Abbey Church.