Global Treasures: Storkyrkan

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1226

UPC: 879061008252

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The elegant tower of Storkyrkan Cathedral rises majestically above Gamla Stan, the old and historic district of Sweden's capital city of Stockholm. Storkyrkan, which means "The Great Church," is the oldest church in the Swedish metropolis.

The history of Stockholm's cathedral, which combines both Gothic and Baroque design, is closely associated with the Swedish royal family. With the exception of King Gustav V, each of Sweden's kings has been crowned here due to the ideal setting offered by this glorious building.

Storkyrkan was not only important to Sweden for its historic architecture and remarkable works of art, but it was also of much religious significance. It was from here that Swedish reformer Olaus Petri began to spread the Lutheran message across Sweden during the first half of the 16th century.

The cathedral also contains the oldest remaining historical portrayal of Stockholm. A strange phenomenon of light that once occurred in this city was also the subject of this painting, which dates back to 1535.

Storkyrkan is a religious building of much importance with regard to the development of the clerical world as well as to the history of Sweden.