Klara Kyrka (Saint Clare Church), Stockholm

Klara Kyrka (Saint Clare Church), Stockholm

The Church of Saint Clare or Klara Church (Klara kyrka) was founded on the site of today's Klara Västra Kyrkogata in the Klara area in lower Norrmalm in the 1280s. Initially, it was part of the Roman Catholic Convent whose inhabitants were members of the order of Saint Clare, hence the name of the church and the entire neighborhood, Klarakvarteren. Eventually, this name has become synonymous with the old city that once occupied lower Norrmalm.

For 300 years until the 15th century, the convent had enjoyed great prosperity. Then the number of new nuns began to decline, incomes dwindled and the armed conflicts hit the nunnery so that it physically fell into disrepair. In 1527, both the church and the convent, by that time already a ruin, were torn down upon the commencement of the Protestant Reformation by Gustav Vasa, the then King of Sweden. Construction of the current church commenced in 1572 under Johan III.

The new church was severely destroyed by fire in the mid-18th century. It was rebuilt, but during the 19th century endured several major renovations and its interior got an entirely new look. The latter now contains many paintings emblazoned with golden tones and warm hues, along with the stylish stained glass highlights reminiscent of the 18th century, and a pulpit of gold that is a sight to behold.

The exterior we see today, in many ways, is a 19th century creation. The 116-meter (381 ft) tall tower was built as part of the restoration work in the 1880s. As for the church graveyard, it was started in the 17th century. Among its famous residents is the poet, Carl Michael Bellman. Presently, the church is completely surrounded with modern buildings, and can only hint at its presence to the onlooker with the spires peeking above.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stockholm. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Klara Kyrka (Saint Clare Church) on Map

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

Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

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.
City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

Once an independent town, Norrmalm has been integral to Stockholm since 1635. As one of the city's central neighborhoods, it saw many old buildings torn down during the 1950s and 60s to clear space for new construction. Still, the most notable pieces of local architecture – featuring a wide range of styles, from Late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque – are still in place and make Norrmalm...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Museums Island Walk

The Museums Island Walk

With almost 70 museums in operation, Stockholm is one of the richest (in terms of museums) cities on the planet. The island of Djurgården, a cultural hotspot inside the capital, also known as the Museums Island, is home to an array of museums and other cultural attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

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

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walk

Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walk

The Gamla stan (Old Town) of Stockholm is the oldest part of the city, established in the 13th century. Officially known, prior to 1980, as “The Town Between Bridges” (Staden mellan broarna), this bustling, yet compact area abounds in medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and archaic (17th- and 18th-century) colorful architecture, showing a great deal of North Germanic influence.

There are...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Södermalm, or "Söder" for short, is a borough in central Stockholm, incorporating a large island of the same name (formerly known as "Åsön"). Although considered an island, the water surrounding Södermalm to the north and south does not flow freely but passes through a series of locks. Visitors are charmed by the borough's narrow, cobbled streets and neat squares, as...  view more

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

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

If you come to Stockholm on the trail of Karlsson-on-the-Roof character (Swedish: Karlsson på taket), created by Astrid Lindgren, you're bound to enjoy yourself big time! Just don't forget to spare some time for gift shopping, so as to please your loved ones back home. In doing so, you...