Lund Abbey
St. Peter's Priory, also known as Sankt Peters Klosters kyrka, was an early Benedictine nunnery established in Lund, Skåne, which is now part of Sweden but was historically in Denmark. Founded before 1166, the priory featured a complex of buildings including a dormitory, refectory, and cellars, with its church evolving from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles. Its existence ended with the Reformation in 1536, after which its buildings were largely demolished, leaving only the church to serve as a parish church.
Key Facts
- ›Established before 1166 for Benedictine nuns.
- ›Originally dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Peter.
- ›Church initially built in Romanesque style (late 1160s), later rebuilt in Gothic style (C. 1300).
- ›The complex included a dormitory, refectory, cellars, and accommodation for lay sisters.
- ›Reverted to the crown during the Reformation in 1536.
- ›Most conventual buildings were demolished around 1600, with the church becoming a parish church.
Romanesque, Gothic
Priory Church, Dormitory, Refectory, Cellars, Wing For Lay Sisters
Sankt Peters Klosters Kyrka
Eskil, Archbishop of Lund, Tycho Brahe
Establishment of the Priory, Reformation, Demolition of Conventual Buildings
About Lund Abbey
St. Peter's Priory, Lund
St. Peter's Priory, known in Swedish as Sankt Peters Klosters kyrka, was a significant monastic establishment in Lund, Skåne, historically part of Denmark and now located in southern Sweden. Founded before 1166 by Eskil, Archbishop of Lund, it was initially intended for Benedictine nuns and dedicated to both Saint Mary and Saint Peter, though it later became known simply as St. Peter's Priory.
History and Architecture
The priory's original church, constructed in the latter half of the 1160s, showcased Romanesque architectural elements with its sandstone construction and rounded arches. Around 1300, the church underwent a substantial rebuilding and expansion in brick, adopting the Gothic style. The entire monastic complex was designed as a quadrilateral enclosure, comprising three wings for monastic life—including a dormitory, refectory, and cellars, along with a wing for lay sisters—with the priory church forming the fourth side. Over time, the priory accumulated numerous properties that provided rental income to sustain its operations, and records indicate exchanges of farms with the chapter of Lund Cathedral.
The Reformation and Aftermath
The priory's existence concluded with the Reformation, which led Denmark to officially embrace Lutheranism in October 1536. Consequently, all religious houses and their assets were reverted to the Danish crown. The priory's extensive archive was largely lost during this period, with only a few letters surviving, including the final one from the prioress in 1537, formally surrendering the priory. The estate was subsequently granted to Eskil Oxe and later passed to Jorgen and Inger Brahe, relatives of the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe. Around 1600, the conventual buildings were demolished, leaving the priory church to continue its service as the parish church of St. Peter. The burial ground associated with the priory remained in use for burials until modern times.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Peter's Priory founded?
St. Peter's Priory was established before 1166. The original church was built in the latter half of the 1160s.
What religious order was St. Peter's Priory associated with?
The priory was established for Benedictine nuns. It followed the Benedictine tradition.
What happened to St. Peter's Priory during the Reformation?
During the Reformation, Denmark officially became a Lutheran kingdom in 1536. All religious houses, including St. Peter's Priory, reverted to the crown. The priory's archive was largely lost, and the last letter from the prioress surrendering the priory dates to 1537.
What remains of St. Peter's Priory today?
Around 1600, all the conventual buildings of St. Peter's Priory were demolished. The priory church, however, was preserved and continues to serve as the parish church of St. Peter.
Where was St. Peter's Priory located?
St. Peter's Priory was located in Lund, in the region of Skåne. This area was historically part of Denmark but is now in southern Sweden.
Related Monasteries
Börringe Priory
Börringe Priory, originally a medieval Benedictine convent founded around 1150, was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and known as St. Mary's Priory. It served as a religious house for Benedictine nuns and later housed noblewomen. Following the Protestant Reformation, it was secularized in 1536 and eventually transformed into a private estate, with its current manor house, Börringeklosters slott, built in 1763. No physical remnants of the priory remain, save for fragments incorporated into the local burial ground.
Bosjö Abbey
Bosjö Abbey, originally a Benedictine nunnery founded in 1080, is a historic site in Scania, Sweden, located on the shore of Lake Ringsjön. It was transformed into a castle in the 16th century following the Danish Reformation, and while parts of the original building remain, it has undergone significant changes and ownership transitions throughout its history. Today, it is a castle owned by the Bonde family and is open to the public.
Vä Abbey
Vä Abbey, also known as Vä Church or Saint Mary's Church in Vä, is a significant Romanesque church in Scania, Sweden, dating from the early 12th century. Originally commissioned by the Danish royal family, it was later donated to Premonstratensian monks, serving as both their monastery church and the local parish church. The building is notable for its well-preserved Romanesque architecture, including unique interior murals, and holds historical importance as one of Sweden's oldest stone churches.