Skara Cathedral (Skara)

 cathedral, church, Gothic (architecture), listed building / architectural heritage

The Cathedral symbolises Skara. Its first incarnation was consecrated around 1150 AD, but new discoveries have shown that there was an edifice here as early as in the 11th century. War and fire have ravaged the church over the years, but in spite of it all it has stood fast, rising again from dust, ashes and humiliation. During the 1947-49 restoration a well-preserved crypt was discovered and during the 1999 renovation, stone remnants older than the 12th century church. This latest work made the Gothic architecture even more manifest and the crypt has become a lovely worship space now open to the public. The edifice contains episcopal graves and walls from the earliest period. The current Gothic design dates to the 1886-1894 restoration under the leadership of architect Helgo Zettervall. The furnishings are unique and include the Soop Mausoleum and Bo Beskow's handsome glass mosaic window. And yes, Skara's pants – the name comes from the flat towers built in 1809- 1810. People thought they looked like a pair of pants and the name stuck though the towers have clearly changed shape since!