Vreta kloster sweden
a Sweden. Vreta Kloster, Sweden. Vreta Abbey was the first nunnery in Sweden, initially Benedictine and later Cistercian, and one of the oldest in Scandinavia. The exact year of the foundation is not known. The abbey was founded by King Inge the Elder of Sweden and Queen Helena on the orders of Pope Paschal II, which gives a date range for the foundation: Paschal became pope in ; the date of Inge's death is disputed, but probably occurred around or a little later.
Vreta Abbey was a house of Benedictine nuns until , when it was turned into a Cistercian nunnery. A second sister, Helena of Sweden, widow of Canute V of Denmark, entered Vreta as a nun after being widowed in , and other members of the Swedish and Danish royal families were also here. In the 13th century, Princess Helena Sverkersdotter of Sweden were among its abbesses.
Vreta Abbey has entered folklore as the scene during the 13th century of a number of prominent abductions of girls for marriages disapproved of by their families. It was a prestigious establishment, and the church is the burial place of kings Inge the Elder and the Younger, Philip of Sweden, Magnus II and princes Ragnvald son of Inge the Elder and Sune, plus according to an older source the latter's young nephews, Alf and Boleslaw Johansson.
It served as a school for daughters of Sweden's ruling families and nobility. The buildings burned down in the early 13th century, but were rebuilt, and a new church was dedicated in the presence of King Magnus Ladulås and Queen Hedwig in After , as a result of the Reformation the abbey was forbidden to accept any new novices, but was otherwise treated very leniently. It continued in use as a school for daughters of the nobility and a retirement place for old noblewomen, and in , the King allowed the last abbess, Sigrid Botholfsdotter d.
There were still nuns here in , and the last two of whom, Brita Gisledotter and Kirstin Månsdotter, died in The church continued in use as a Lutheran parish church and still stands today, distinguished by its possession of a medieval hagioscope. The remaining buildings were mostly allowed to fall into ruin. Between and the ruins were excavated, and large portions to the north of the church, which was itself restored between and , remain visible.
The finds, including an unusual wooden water pipe, are on display in the adjoining museum. Apart from the church, the only monastic building completely preserved is the barn, although some walls were reconstructed in the 20th century. The stones from the former refectory were used to build the tower of Linköping Cathedral. It was constructed in the years 16 to 15 BCE.
One of the most famous and visited landmarks in Spain, the Roman Theatre of Mérida is regarded as a Spanish cultural icon and was chosen as one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. Vreta Abbey Vreta Kloster, Sweden. Comments Your name Submit Comments. Add New Comment. See all sites in Vreta Kloster.
Vreta Abbey
Details Founded: ca. More Information en. Rating 4. User Reviews. Šárka Strömer 7 months ago A peaceful place close to Linköping, surrounded by nature, but also by historic typically Swedish wooden buildings, a stone monastery with its amazing garden. I love the variety of colours in the different seasons!
In the summer the garden is literally awash with the fragrance and beauty of a variety of flowers, especially peonies. You just have to see and experience it, it's hard to describe in words The monastery garden is pleasantly shaded by climbing plants, which, especially in autumn, create a colourful palette of falling leaves.
Vreta Kloster ruin
At any time of the year, you will always find the essential thing here: peace. An almost meditative calm The energy of this place is really strangely calming in this hectic world, even though it's only a few minutes' drive from Linköping. The monastery gardens are in close proximity to Götakanal and Bergs slussar. It's worth coming here, as you can spend a pleasant day here, perhaps on foot, on a bike or on a tourist boat ride on the canal.
Jos Winkel 12 months ago Very nice church and gardens. Michael B 2 years ago Absolutely wonderful place and a must if you have any interest in history. Lots of very well phrased and educational commentaries putting things into perspective.