Vasteras Cathedral
A brick Gothic cathedral in central Vasteras holding the alabaster tomb of Erik XIV, who died a prisoner.
Updated 12 October 2026
The cathedral was consecrated in 1271 and enlarged repeatedly, ending as a wide five-aisled brick hall with a tower whose spire was added by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger in the 1690s and which reaches about ninety-two metres. Its best-known object is the tomb of Erik XIV, deposed by his brothers in 1568 and dead in 1577 at Orbyhus, poisoned by pea soup according to the story and by arsenic according to the analysis of his remains - a black and white alabaster monument put up long after. The medieval altarpieces and the sixteenth-century pulpit are the other things to look for.
The main sights
- A five-aisled brick hall - grown by stages from 1271.
- Tessin's spire of the 1690s - on a tower about ninety-two metres high.
- Erik XIV's alabaster tomb - the deposed king, dead in captivity.
- Medieval altarpieces - and a sixteenth-century pulpit.
When to go
Year round; hours follow services. An hour.
What to expect
Concerts and services close it to visitors. The interior is whitewashed and sparse. English information is limited. The tower is not open to climb.
Nearby
Anundshog is east; Lake Malaren is south of the town.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q1236708, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Vasteras Cathedral
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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