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Vadstena Abbey
Vadstena Abbey, situated on the shores of Lake Vättern, was founded in the 14th century by Saint Bridget (Birgitta), the patron saint of Europe, as the motherhouse of the Bridgettine Order. The abbey was uniquely organized as a double monastery, where both nuns and monks resided in separate wings but were united under the leadership of a single abbess. Its majestic Abbey Church, often called the 'Blue Church' due to the distinctive bluish limestone used in its construction, was built in a plain Gothic style following Saint Bridget's precise instructions. During the Middle Ages, Vadstena flourished as Scandinavia's spiritual and intellectual hub, boasting one of the region's largest libraries. Following the Reformation, the abbey was suppressed in the late 16th century, yet the church survived as a parish place of worship. Today, the abbey site remains a significant pilgrimage destination, featuring a museum and a modern guesthouse, while the town of Vadstena preserves much of its medieval character.
- Location: Sweden
- Top sights: Vadstena Klosterkyrka · Sancta Birgitta Klostermuseum · Gamla Teatern
- Nearby: Motala (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 50 | 42 | 40 | 42 | 74 | 96 | 106 | 92 | 62 | 73 | 63 | 54 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The abbey was officially consecrated in 1384.
- The Abbey Church took several decades to complete and was finished in 1430.
- Saint Bridget was canonized in 1391, just 18 years after her death.
- The monastery library was the most significant in medieval Sweden.
- The last nuns were forced to leave the abbey in 1595 during the Reformation.
- Bridgettine nuns returned to Vadstena and established a new convent in 1935.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Vadstena Abbey (10)
Galleri Vita rum
Galleri Vita rum is a gallery in Vadstena.
Hospitalmuseet🏛 museum
Hospitalmuseet presents the history of the hospital in Vadstena.
Vadstena Konstgalleri
Vadstena Konstgalleri is an art gallery in Vadstena.
Vätternkyrkan
Vätternkyrkan is a church building in Vadstena Municipality, Sweden.
Vadstena Stadsmuseum🏛 museum
Vadstena Stadsmuseum shows the city history of Vadstena.
Kulturskolan i Vadstena
Kulturskolan i Vadstena is a centre for cultural education.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Vadstena Abbey?
What is the Blue Church?
Can you visit the abbey today?
Are there still nuns there?
Where is Vadstena located?
Vadstena Abbey: where is it located?
Vadstena Abbey: what is there to see?
Vadstena Abbey: when is the best time to visit?
Vadstena Abbey: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
