Sankt Pauli Kyrka (Saint Paul Church), Malmo
Saint Paul’s Church in Malmö is an architectural landmark designed by Emil Viktor Langlet and constructed between 1879 and 1882. In keeping with Christian tradition, the church was built near a water source—a shallow lake called Östra Rörsjön, which once existed outside Malmö Fortress and provided water for baptisms. Due to the marshy terrain, the church’s foundation is set on large piles and continues to sink a few centimeters each year. This unstable ground also necessitated that the church’s cemeteries be placed at a distance in the southeast, to prevent the spread of diseases.
The church’s unique hexagonal shape, constructed of yellow brick, is crowned by a central tower symbolizing Jesus, surrounded by twelve smaller towers representing his disciples. The main tower is topped with a golden cross and wreath, evoking the flame of the Spirit of God and the first day of Pentecost.
Originally, the roof was made of copper and painted gray but was later repainted green to give the illusion of a patina. In 2013, the roof was replaced with aluminum, which over time is expected to develop a silvery-gray hue, similar to the original appearance.
The interior is spacious, with a capacity for up to 1,200 people. Two chapels, one for baptism and the other for devotion, are adorned with intricate paintings illustrating Biblical stories and scenes from the apostolic works. The church is lit by elegant Art Nouveau lamps from the 1920s, adding a vintage charm to the space. Noteworthy artifacts include a communion jug donated by King Oscar II and side chapel windows painted in the 1950s. In the right side chapel, a memorial plaque honors the parishioners who lost their lives at sea during World War II.
The church’s unique hexagonal shape, constructed of yellow brick, is crowned by a central tower symbolizing Jesus, surrounded by twelve smaller towers representing his disciples. The main tower is topped with a golden cross and wreath, evoking the flame of the Spirit of God and the first day of Pentecost.
Originally, the roof was made of copper and painted gray but was later repainted green to give the illusion of a patina. In 2013, the roof was replaced with aluminum, which over time is expected to develop a silvery-gray hue, similar to the original appearance.
The interior is spacious, with a capacity for up to 1,200 people. Two chapels, one for baptism and the other for devotion, are adorned with intricate paintings illustrating Biblical stories and scenes from the apostolic works. The church is lit by elegant Art Nouveau lamps from the 1920s, adding a vintage charm to the space. Noteworthy artifacts include a communion jug donated by King Oscar II and side chapel windows painted in the 1950s. In the right side chapel, a memorial plaque honors the parishioners who lost their lives at sea during World War II.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Malmo. 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.
Sankt Pauli Kyrka (Saint Paul Church) on Map
Sight Name: Sankt Pauli Kyrka (Saint Paul Church)
Sight Location: Malmo, Sweden (See walking tours in Malmo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Malmo, Sweden (See walking tours in Malmo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Malmo, Sweden
Create Your Own Walk in Malmo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Malmo 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.
Lund Walking Tour
Lund is a verdant city famed primarily for its academic prowess and as the backdrop for the final scenes of Ingmar Bergman’s renowned movie, "Wild Strawberries". Situated just about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northeast of Malmo, it makes a perfect day-trip destination.
At the heart of the city lies Stortorget, the bustling central square where locals gather and events take place.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
At the heart of the city lies Stortorget, the bustling central square where locals gather and events take place.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Malmo Introduction Walking Tour
Malmo is Sweden's third-largest city, after Stockholm and Gothenburg. Malmo's history stretches back to the 13th century when Malmo was part of Denmark. During the 17th century, Sweden gained control of Malmo.
Today, Malmo is an industrial and transportation center. The port city is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, parks, and excellent shopping.
Main Square... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Today, Malmo is an industrial and transportation center. The port city is known for its beautiful architecture, charming squares, parks, and excellent shopping.
Main Square... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Shopping in Malmo
When it comes to shopping, Malmo has something for everyone – from local specialty shops to alluring designer boutiques and large shopping centers, not to mention a great number of art galleries where exclusive art works and handicrafts, signed by Swedish artists, can be purchased.
Alongside cozy retail stores in the heart of Malmo there are tons of food outlets and exciting pit-stops where... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Alongside cozy retail stores in the heart of Malmo there are tons of food outlets and exciting pit-stops where... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
At a glance, Malmo can produce the impression of an industrial city, but a closer look reveals a rather colorful combination of architectural styles. Here, medieval, Renaissance and 19th-century edifices coexist harmoniously with post-modernistic and futuristic designs.
The Old Town with its cobblestone squares (home to open-air bars, restaurants and cafés), as well as historical buildings,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Old Town with its cobblestone squares (home to open-air bars, restaurants and cafés), as well as historical buildings,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles