The Ruin can be visited
MonasteryAlvastra
Alvastra Abbey
The Alvastra Abbey Ruin is a significant sacred building in Sweden, located in the municipality of Ödeshög in Östergötland. It was the first Cistercian monastery in Scandinavia and played an important role in the country's religious and political landscape.
History+
The Alvastra Abbey was founded in 1143 at the initiative of Ulfhild, the consort of King Sverker the Elder. French monks from the primary abbey of Clairvaux settled the site, making it the second oldest monastery in Sweden. Alvastra later founded daughter monasteries in Varnhem, Julita, and Gudsberga. In the 14th century, Saint Birgitta and her husband sought inspiration here for her own monastic rules. During the Reformation, the monastery's property was confiscated by the Crown. In 1567, the building suffered severe damage from the Danish army and subsequently served as a quarry for the construction of Vadstena Castle and a fortress on Visingsö Island. Archaeological investigations began in 1893, followed by extensive excavations between 1917 and the 1950s.
Location+
The Alvastra Abbey Ruin is located in Alvastra, a district of the municipality of Ödeshög in the Östergötland region, Sweden, at an elevation of approximately 100 m above sea level.
On site+
Today, the Alvastra Abbey Ruin is a protected and restored site that can be visited, offering visitors insights into its rich history.
Nearby+
- Ekhammar Manor (Manor House and Estate), approx. 18.9 km away
- Vadstena Castle (Castle), approx. 21.2 km away
- Almnäs Castle (Castle), approx. 23.7 km away
- Karlsborg Fortress (Fortress), approx. 27.3 km away
Take Mobile History with you
You are reading this text for free. Premium adds what matters on the road: descriptions read aloud, sites found through your camera, whole regions taken offline.
- Every description, including the ~17,700 Premium sites
- Audio guide: have descriptions read to you on location
- AR finder: see sites through your camera, with distance and bearing
- Unlimited saved sites
14 days free, then from €2.99 a month. Cancel anytime.
Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 58.2966, 14.6585