Lund Cathedral, Lund

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Lund's Domkyrka (Cathedral) is one of the oldest and finest Romanesque churches in Sweden, and is a must see in Lund! The present building dates from the 12th century, the time when Lund played an important role in Denmark's history - for instance was King Valdemar II crowned here in 1202. The cathedral is located in the city centre, and is easy to spot with its two towers, standing 55 meters high. They are a landmark on the skyline of Lund, but are not open for public. Instead, there are some interesting sights inside Lund’s Domkyrka... The altarpiece, the organ, the pulpit, the old choir, and the two highlights: “Horologium Mirabile Lundense” and the crypt.

“Horologium Mirabile Lundense” is a famous 15th century astronomical clock. When it plays (at noon and 3pm on weekdays, 1pm and 3pm on Sundays), figures of the Three Kings and their servants, pass by Mary and Jesus. IMO, the play is not very spectacular – the clock itself is much more interesting! It shows - among other things - the different phases of the Moon and where the Sun sets, and also has a calendar which calculates when different religious holidays and on which weekday a certain date will fall.

Another highlight is the crypt. Over time, most of the Cathedral has been remodelled, but the crypt has remained relatively untouched since its consecration in 1123. There are huge pillars and many old tombs, the most famous tombs are of Archbishop Birger Gunnersen (d. 1519) and Archbishop Herman.

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Initially built in 1234 after a fire in the old church, following the Romanesque style common to north of Italy and Rhine region, this cathedral is a heavy and dark building, with several modifications and restorations until 1923, when it finally acquired the actual look.

The cathedral was probably built around 1085 AC and is Scandinavia's oldest Methropolitan chuch and also one of Sweden's most visited tourist sites.

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 08.00 - 18.00
Saturday 09.30 - 17.00
Sunday 09.30 - 18.00

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Lund's beautiful Romanesque Cathedral shouldn't be missed; begun c1100, it was once the seat of the largest archbishopric in Europe (which I think comprised of Sweden, Finland and part of Denmark). You should take a look at the astrological clock, dating from 1424; and a visit to the crypt, the oldest part of the cathedral is a must. There you will see two figures hugging stone pillars - these are said to be the Giant Finn and his wife, turned to stone by the rays of the sun. The legend says that Finn made a bet with the bishop that if he could build the cathedral before the bishop could find out his name then the bishop would give Finn his eyes (or the stars from the sky); but the bishop overheard Finn's wife singing a song to their child which mentioned the giant by name, and so won the bet. Finn, in a fit of pique, tried to tear the Cathedral down, but was caught by the daylight (which was apparently fatal to Giants).

No, it cannot be compared to Aachen, York or St Pete's but it is nevertheless one of the most visited buildings in Sweden and said to be the foremost piece of roman architecture in Scandinavia. Most people come to see the astronomical clock play twice a day (12.00/13.00 or 15.00) or to see Finn, the giant, a legend associated with Lund. The oldest part of the cathedral is the crypt from the 1080s (see travelogue) whilst the twin towers are only from the 19th century. Through the Historical Museum, you have access to the Cathedral museum where you can learn more about it.

This impressive construction in Nordic romanesque Style in the middle of the town is one of the most beautiful in Sweden.

It was built between 1080 and 1145, it suffered a restoration on the 16th century and more recently on the 19th century.

Among the attractions is an horological artistic masterpiece. Its interior is of a uncomparable beauty.

Construction of Lund's spectacular Romanesque cathedral, the Domkyrkan, began in the 12th century and soon after Lund became the seat of the largest archbishopric in Europe. Today it is open to the public and well worth a visit. But don't settle for just a view of the interesting exterior, because the inside of the cathedral is beautiful and unique in its own right.

The big building in the middle of the town is Lund cathedral. It has an Organ worth seing, particulary when it plays. The crypt is also well worth a visit. The giant Finn was not happy with what he got in payment for building the church. He desided he would try to demolish it. The punishment was that he was turned into stone.

Guided tours available

The Domkyrka, one of the biggest Romanic cathedrals in Northern Europe.
Has undergone several renovations, of course but still has a lot of the original interior. Do not miss the Crypta, a real gem.