Klara Kyrka (Saint Clare Church), Stockholm

Tucked amid the modern hustle of Stockholm鈥檚 lower Norrmalm, the Church of Saint Clare rises like a pious time traveler who forgot to update their outfit since the 1500s. And don鈥檛 be misled by the neighboring skyscrapers鈥攖his place has been around since the 1280s, when it was originally part of a wealthy Roman Catholic convent dedicated to Saint Clare. The area got its name from the convent, and things were going swimmingly until the 15th century, when fortunes turned, upkeep slipped, and everything started crumbling like day-old crispbread.

In 1527, King Gustav Vasa entered the scene, kicked off the Protestant Reformation, and razed whatever was left of the original church and the convent. But all was not lost. In 1572, King Johan III decided Stockholm needed a little divine real estate again and thus laid the foundations for the current structure.

Trouble didn鈥檛 stay away long, though. A fire in the mid-1700s scorched the church, but it rose again from the ashes thanks to the 19th-century glow-up. That era gave the interior its golden glam makeover: warm hues, stunning stained glass, and a pulpit so gilded it could make Versailles blush.

Outside, the showstopper is the 116-meter tower鈥攁n 1880s addition that鈥檚 been poking at Stockholm鈥檚 skyline ever since. The churchyard is no less storied, hosting the bones of Sweden鈥檚 beloved bard, Carl Michael Bellman.

Now nestled among office blocks and shopping centers, Saint Clare's Church is one of the few historical holdouts still keeping watch over the ever-changing cityscape. So, whenever you pass by its towering spire, take a moment to take note鈥攖his landmark is Stockholm鈥檚 quiet reminder that faith and a little flair can survive fire and just about anything...

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Klara Kyrka (Saint Clare Church)
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

Creating your own self-guided walk in Stockholm is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

The Museums Island Walk

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One of the most renowned venues on the island is Scandinavia鈥檚 most popular museum,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

Once upon a cobblestone, Norrmalm wasn鈥檛 even part of Stockholm. Up until 1635, it was a town of its own before it decided to join the 鈥渂ig leagues.鈥� Fast forward a few centuries, and this central district has become a spirited jumble of old-world charm and postwar boldness. The 1950s and 鈥�60s came in swinging wrecking balls, knocking down swathes of old buildings to make room for future... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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