Kristine Church

In the heart of Falun, Sweden, stands the majestic Kristine Church, known locally as Kristine kyrka. This architectural gem, nestled to the east of the sloping Stora torget, has been a central figure in the town's history and a source of spiritual solace for its inhabitants. The church, with its striking brick façade and towering spire, invites visitors to delve into its rich past and admire its artistic and architectural splendor.

The History of Kristine Church

The story of Kristine Church begins in the mid-17th century. The construction of this grand edifice commenced in 1642 under the supervision of master mason Hans Ferster, who was responsible for most of the initial designs. After his death in 1653, his close associate, master mason Göran Fischer, took over the project, contributing significantly to the design of the church's tower. The construction was finally completed in 1660 by Johan Persson, a prominent master mason in Stockholm.

Despite its incomplete state, Kristine Church was consecrated on the first Sunday of Advent in 1655. Over the following years, significant progress was made: by 1650, the walls of the nave and its transepts were completed, the vaults were constructed in 1651, and the outer roof was laid the same year. The tower was constructed between 1658 and 1660, marking the completion of the church's main structure.

Architectural Marvels

The exterior of Kristine Church is a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders. The walls are constructed of bricks made in Rankhyttan, resting on a granite base adorned with a limestone list. The initials G F, representing Göran Fischer, can be seen in hard-burnt brick on the southern transept. Significant renovations in the early 20th century saw the replacement of the weathered limestone list and damaged facade bricks, as well as the reconstruction of the tower's eaves.

The church's roof has undergone several transformations. Originally covered with copper plates from the Falun mine, the roof was replaced with wooden shingles in 1830 due to damage from the mine's fumes. In 1864-1865, the roof was covered with slate from Glava, and in 1994, the tower's roof was restored with newly manufactured copper plates. The current roof of the nave, made of slate from Grythytte Skifferverk, was laid in 1906, secured with copper nails to replace the rusted iron ones.

The Tower and Spire

The original spire of Kristine Church was destroyed in a fire on June 26, 1711, and was temporarily replaced with a simple wooden cap. It wasn't until 1864-1865 that the current spire, a replica of the one depicted by Erik Dahlbergh in Svecia antiqua et hodierna, was installed. Designed by architect Johan Fredrik Åbom, the spire was further adorned with a new copper cross in 1994.

Interior Splendor

The interior of Kristine Church is equally captivating. The 18 star vaults, featuring varying radiating patterns, cover the church's ceiling, with the most intricate designs found in the eastern part of the nave. The pillars, crafted from limestone sourced from Rättvik, were designed by master stonemason Simon Hack from Boda parish.

The windows of Kristine Church have seen numerous changes over the centuries. The renovation from 1903 to 1906 gave the windows their current appearance, featuring double-glazed panes with lead fittings and tracery made of sandstone from Orsa. The chancel windows are adorned with paintings depicting biblical scenes, created by Franz Xaver Zettler at the Royal Bavarian Court Stained Glass Manufacturer in Munich in 1905.

Artistic Treasures

Among the church's many treasures are the pulpit, altarpiece, and choir screen, crafted between 1655 and 1656 by the German-born sculptor Ewerdt Friis and master carpenter Jöns Gustafsson from Norrköping. The pulpit, originally unpainted and supported by an angel, was painted white in 1740 and adorned with a blue sky, gilded sun, wreath, and dove. In 1905, the pulpit was moved to its current location and painted and gilded, with the angel replaced by a cluster of grapes.

The altarpiece, donated by councilman Anthony Trotzig and his wife Maria Lemmens, was also initially unpainted but was painted white in 1740. It features five oil paintings from the North German school, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. These paintings are framed by putti with instruments of the Passion, columns, and figures of evangelists and apostles with their attributes.

Modern Additions

In addition to its historical elements, Kristine Church also features modern additions. The central altar and ambo, designed by architect Ove Hidemark in 1998, are movable to accommodate musicians and singers during concerts. The Mariakapellet, established in 1994 in the northern aisle, houses an altarpiece painted by Bengt Olof Kälde, depicting the Virgin Mary, Mother of God of the Sign.

Kristine Church is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and architecture. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, inviting visitors to explore and experience the rich heritage of Falun. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, Kristine Church offers a captivating journey through time.