Klosters kyrka, Eskilstuna

Klosters kyrka, often simply referred to as Kloster, stands majestically at the heart of Eskilstuna, Sweden. This architectural gem, inaugurated on May 9, 1929, is the largest and second oldest church in the S:t Johannes parish. Its prominent location at the intersection of Västergatan and Strandgatan, with the serene Eskilstunaån flowing nearby, makes it a central and significant landmark in the city.

The Architectural Marvel of Klosters kyrka

Designed by the renowned architect Otar Hökerberg, Klosters kyrka is a testament to the neo-Gothic style that was prevalent in the early 20th century. The church is constructed primarily from dark red brick, sourced from the Lina brickworks in Södertälje, and features a long nave layout. The building is crowned with twin copper-clad towers, each topped with a distinctive double dome, giving the church its unique and recognizable silhouette.

The church’s south-facing façade is particularly striking, with three main portals inviting worshippers and visitors alike. The craftsmanship is evident in the rib-vaulted ceilings and the robust buttresses that support the structure. The side aisles, accessible via separate vestibules with staircases leading to the galleries, create a rounded ambulatory around the choir. The western extension, adorned with a tower, houses a baptismal chapel and a sacristy, while the eastern side mirrors this entrance, emphasizing the church’s symmetrical design.

The Interior Splendor

Stepping inside Klosters kyrka, one is immediately struck by the warm, inviting ambiance created by the red brick interior and whitewashed vaults. The fixed pews, crafted from painted wood with volute-shaped ends, add to the church’s charm. The stained-glass windows, the work of artist Yngve Lundström, bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors, depicting various biblical scenes and ecclesiastical symbols.

Above the main portal, a sculpture of St. Eskil, the patron saint of the church, greets visitors. This exquisite piece, carved in oak by sculptor Arvid Backlund, stands as a guardian over the wrought-iron doors leading into the vestibule. Flanking the entrance are brass plaques featuring the apostles Paul and Peter, adding a touch of historical reverence to the entryway.

The Altar and Its Treasures

The altar of Klosters kyrka is a focal point of devotion and artistry. A broad staircase leads up to the high altar, adorned with a magnificent altarpiece depicting The Adoration of the Shepherds. This masterpiece, painted by the Flemish artist Martin de Vos in 1600, was a generous gift from Baroness Elsie Åkerlund. On either side of the altar stand two gilded sculptures representing Love and Faith, created by sculptor Carl Fagerberg. The triumphal crucifix, also designed by Fagerberg and carved by Albert Helldén, adds to the altar’s grandeur.

Since 1986, a smaller altar located at the base of the steps has been used for most services, allowing for a more intimate worship experience. The entire altar setup, in keeping with the church’s interior design, is in the 20th-century baroque style, characterized by its gray-marbleized finish.

The Pulpit and Choir

The pulpit, along with the altar, organ façade, pews, and other wooden furnishings, was crafted by the workshops of Nordiska Kompaniet in Nyköping, following Hökerberg’s designs. The choir area is adorned with three stained-glass windows, each symbolizing different ecclesiastical themes. The central window features the Lamb of God with the cross banner, while the side windows depict the Tablets of the Law and the Chalice and Shell.

Opposite the pulpit, an astronomical clock designed by Bernhard Linder of Stockholm, based on Hökerberg’s plans, showcases the twelve zodiac signs, symbolizing the cosmos. This intricate timepiece is a unique and fascinating feature of the church’s interior.

The Baptismal Chapel

A wide opening between the pulpit and altar leads to the baptismal chapel, a serene space decorated in white and blue hues, contrasting with the rest of the church’s color scheme. The stained-glass window here depicts the Dove of the Holy Spirit over the Baptismal Font. The font itself, made from Gotland sandstone, features a lid topped with a small church model, symbolizing the essence of baptism.

The Organs and Music

Klosters kyrka is home to several impressive organs. The original organ, built by Åkerman & Lund in 1929, features three manuals and 44 stops. Although it is currently not playable, plans are underway to restore this historically significant instrument. The main organ, installed in 1973 by A. Magnusson Orgelbyggeri AB, boasts four manuals and 50 stops and is located on the west gallery above the entrance. This mechanical organ is equipped with thousands of setzer combinations, making it a versatile instrument for a wide range of musical pieces.

Additionally, the choir organ, built in 1964 by Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri and further enhanced in 2004 by Walter Thür Orgelbyggen, adds to the church’s rich musical heritage. The vibrant St. Eskil window behind the organ, created by Yngve Lundström, depicts fourteen scenes from the saint’s life, adding a visual narrative to the musical experience.

The Church’s Treasures

Beyond its architectural and artistic splendor, Klosters kyrka houses a significant collection of ecclesiastical textiles and silverware from various periods. Notable pieces include altar crucifixes, baptismal candlesticks, processional crosses, candlesticks, vases, and communion silver crafted by silversmith Anders Eriksson during the 1970s and 1980s.

Klosters kyrka is not just a place of worship; it is a beacon of cultural and historical significance in Eskilstuna. Whether you are drawn by its architectural beauty, its rich history, or its serene atmosphere, a visit to Klosters kyrka promises to be a memorable and enriching experience.