In 1100, a church was built in what is now the city of Helsingborg.  Two hundred years later, the population had grown enough that a new church was needed.  It took nearly 100 years to build it, but finally, around 1400, Saint Mary’s Church in Helsingborg was completed.  Today, Sancta Maria kyrka still stands in the middle of the Swedish town.

Before you go in, walk around the exterior of the building.  Saint Mary’s Church is an impressive display of brick.  That may seem strange, but when seen up close, the use of brick in the architectural style of the church is remarkable.

When you enter the church, turn left and walk towards the wall.  In a small case hidden away stone reliefs are displayed.  The reliefs were removed from the exterior of the church and replaced with replicas. The meaning of the faces is still unknown.

Along with the faces, take a look at the altarpiece from the 1400s and keep your eyes on the wall of the church looking for remnants of frescoes painted long ago and now fading.

The church is open to the public, and entrance is completely free.  Couple it with a trip to Kärnan, Helsingborg’s medieval fortress for a good look at the Swedish/Danish history of the region.

More Tips for Things to Do in Sweden

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