Cathedral!!

Today the exchange students met at the cathedral for a tour and some time in the downtown section of Linkoping. The cathedral is probably one of the most, if not the most, interesting attractions in the city. Christianity was first brought to the Vikings by travelling monks in the 11th century, but did not take hold until the 12th. This cathedral, probably the tallest structure in the city, was built in the 12th century, and the city was likely constructed around it as the city's history goes back approximately 900 years. The cathedral is Anglican, not Roman Catholic. Most of Sweden today is Lutheran (approx. 80%).

Below are pictures of the original altar piece (top) and current altar (bottom). I could not hear the tour guide very well, but the original altar piece was apparently once stolen as a spoil of war and then later returned to the church. I could not make out the details of said war. It depicts the different stages of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Another very interesting item in the church was a small balcony on one of the pillars. On Sundays, the minister delivers readings from the balcony and relates them to the people's lives, similar to a Catholic mass's homily. The sides of the stairway depict biblical images. One that I remember was angels climbing down from Heavan to tell of Jesus's birth. Note the two angels that flank the minister as he speaks.

Pcitures of my room, apartment, Ryd, the campus, the rest of the cathedral picutes, and some shots of the city will be on FB shortly, so check it out! Other than that, I suppose that's all for now. Keep me updated everyone!!!