Lund Cathedral, Malmo

Lund Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and holds the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in Scandinavia. Construction of the cathedral commenced in 1104 as a Romanesque basilica, and in 1145 the nearly completed structure was consecrated to St. Laurentius of Rome.

Among its many attractions, Lund Cathedral boasts the renowned astronomical clock, positioned just next to the main entrance. Crafted around 1425, this technical marvel is one of only three such clocks in Europe. Beyond displaying the time on a 24-hour dial, the clock also showcases moon phases, zodiac signs, and a calendar spanning 200 years. Daily at 12 and 3 pm, a small built-in organ plays the medieval jubilee In dulci jubilo, accompanied by a procession of three kings representing medieval continents and Mary with the child Jesus passing by.

The cathedral's crypt stands out as one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Northern Europe, featuring a ceiling construction with 41 cross vaults supported by a forest of pillars. Notably, one column is adorned with the sculpture of a giant, known as Finn, who, according to legend, fled to the crypt after losing a bet with Saint Laurentius and turned into stone.

The pulpit on the north side of the central nave is a masterpiece, created in 1592 by German sculptor Johannes Ganssog. Constructed from sandstone, limestone, black and white marble, as well as alabaster, it is considered one of the most magnificent works of Nordic Renaissance.

The cathedral houses several organs, with the main organ on the west gallery being the largest church organ in Sweden, boasting 102 registers and 7074 pipes.