Amidst the charming streets of Nyköping, Sweden, stands the magnificent Sankt Nicolai kyrka, a beacon of history and spirituality. This ecclesiastical gem, located at Stora torget, has witnessed centuries of change, from medieval times to the modern day, and remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the community it serves.
The origins of Sankt Nicolai kyrka trace back to the mid-13th century, beginning as a modest cross-shaped stone church. Fragments of this ancient structure can still be discerned in the northern and southern outer walls, as well as the western pair of columns. A document from 1267 hints that construction was ongoing at that time, suggesting a community deeply invested in its place of worship.
In the 1300s, the original stone church was replaced by a new structure with brick vaults. The western tower was dismantled, and the church was extended westward. The 1390s brought devastation in the form of a fierce fire, possibly linked to the Vitalian Brothers' actions against Nyköping. The early 1400s saw the church expanding further with side aisles flanking the nave and the erection of a new western tower, which still stands today. The construction of a sacristy in the northern transept's angle with the choir also dates back to this period.
By around 1500, the church had evolved significantly, with the addition of a side aisle adorned with star vaults between the choir and the southern transept. The older transept gables were likely removed, resulting in a unified roof covering the entire church. During the reign of Johan III, the choir was expanded, and the current sacristy was constructed. The 1630s saw the tower receiving a new spire, which was rebuilt following a destructive fire in 1665. However, the church faced another calamity in 1719 when it was burned down by Russian forces during the Great Northern War. The current tower hood was crafted in the 1790s by Olof Tempelman.
Stepping inside Sankt Nicolai kyrka, visitors are greeted by an array of historical and artistic treasures. The altarpiece, created by Georg Engelhard Schröder, was a gift from Queen Ulrika Eleonora in 1739, following the church's restoration after the 1719 fire. The late Gothic-style altarpiece, dating from around 1500, was donated during the 1920s renovation.
The church's baroque pulpit, carved in 1748 by sculptor Niklas Österbom from Norrköping, was inspired by the pulpit in Stockholm's Storkyrkan. The pulpit's sun symbol features the holy name of God (JHWH) in Hebrew letters. The church also houses funeral armorials for the de Besche and von Berchner families, as well as a major's gravestone from 1657, which has been restored after being damaged in the fires of 1665 and 1719. A sarcophagus made of Kolmård marble contains the remains of Fredric Ulric Sparre and his wife Juliana Brita Sjöblad, with windows decorated by Yngve Lundström flanking it.
One of the church's most intriguing artifacts is the baptismal font, crafted in Gotland in the 13th century. It was discovered being used as a garden decoration at Åsby gård in Stigtomta and was placed in Sankt Nicolai kyrka in 1925.
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The church's tower houses a carillon that plays four times a day at 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. The melodies, which can be found on the church's website, add a musical charm to the town square.
Sankt Nicolai kyrka has a rich tradition of organ music, with the first organ built between 1629 and 1634 by Anders Bruce and Greger Kitziger. In 1733, Johan Niclas Cahman from Stockholm constructed an organ with 25 stops, two manuals, and a pedal. The current organ, built in 1925 by Åkerman & Lund from Stockholm, is pneumatic with three free and four fixed combinations and a swell box. Although it was reconfigured in the 1950s and its pipes removed in 1999, the Cahman façade remains as a decorative element.
The choir organ, built in 1973 by Marcussen & Søn from Aabenraa, Denmark, features electric registration and mechanical action, with free combinations. Its contemporary façade was designed by Rolf Berg.
Throughout the church, gravestones can be found on the floor, including the grave of Joakim Danckwardt. The walls display funeral armorials for the von Berchner, de Besche, and Faltzburg families. East of the altar lies a Kolmård marble sarcophagus containing the remains of Fredric Ulric Sparre († 1777) and his wife Juliana Brita Sjöblad.
Sankt Nicolai kyrka is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of Nyköping's rich history, a sanctuary of art and faith, and a symbol of resilience through the ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this remarkable church promises a journey through time and an unforgettable experience.
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