Fredrikskyrkan

In 1720 construction work began on Fredrikskyrkan on Stortorget in Karlskrona to plans by Sweden’s then foremost architect, Nicodemus Tessin the younger. In spring 2018, the church was reconsecrated following extensive renovations and today it is one of the most modern churches in Sweden.

Fredrikskyrkan was consecrated in 1744 in the presence of Crown Prince Adolf Fredrik and Princess Lovisa Ulrika. However, the tower was not completed until 14 years later. The church was named after King Fredrik I. It took 24 years before the Baroque church could be consecrated in the presence of Crown Prince Adolf Fredrik.

The organ in Fredrikskyrkan is a reconstruction of Lars Wahlberg’s organ from 1764, made by the Grönlund organ works in Gammelstad in Luleå. Architecturally, the organ front is one of the finest in Europe and the organ is one of the foremost organs in the Nordic countries in terms of sound. Fredrikskyrkan is mainly known for its beautiful bell peal, which uses 35 bells and rings three times every day.

Fredrikskyrkan’s renovation (2015-2018) and rebuilding work was one of the biggest church reconstruction projects ever conducted in Sweden. Ole Drachmann is the architect behind the transformation of the church and the renovation work. Fredrikskyrkan is part of the Naval Port of Karlskrona, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. New spaces have been created where the church previously had fixed pews, in the alcoves of the nave, under the balconies and up on the southern balcony. The entrance has a newly renovated main staircase with disabled access via a lift.

The church is part of the Naval Port of Karlskrona, inscribed on UNESCO’s list of unmissable World Heritage Sites in 1998.

Read more about the World Heritage Site and find all the places that form part of it in the article about the Naval Port of Karlskrona.

Source: Visit Karlskrona