East of Eskilstuna on E 3 is the little town of Strängnäs (pop. 26,000), founded in the 13th century. Here in 1523 Gustavus Vasa was chosen as king. The old mill and harbor with windmill are highlights of the town. The building of the Cathedral extended from the end of the 13th century to the end of the 15th, when it was finally completed by Bishop Rogge. The ceiling paintings in the nave date from the 14th century, the paintings in the choir from the 15th. The reredos on the high altar (1490), depicting the Annunciation and the Last Judgment, with a profusion of figures, was carved in Brussels.
In front of the altar, to the left, is the magnificent gilded armor of Charles IX, whose tomb is in the cathedral. Among other monuments is that of Isabella, daughter of John III. On the walls of the cathedral and in front of it can be seen runic stones from the surrounding area.
Near the cathedral are the medieval Consistory House and the Paulinska Hus, built for Laurentius Paulinus Gothus, bishop of Strängnäs from 1609 to 1637. The 17th century printing press which once belonged to the cathedral is now in the Municipal Museum (Strängnäs Museum). It is also worth looking in at the Grassagård, an old craftsman's workshop (open in summer).
Although Strängnäs is now mainly the administrative and cultural center of the surrounding area, it has preserved an old-world charm with its narrow streets and red-painted wooden houses. Many of the residents of Strängnäs commute to Stockholm, Södertälje or Eskilstuna.
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