Vadstena Tourist Attractions
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17km/10mi north of Väversunda is Vadstena (pop. 7,500), a town noted for its lace, which owes its origin to St Birgitta. Birgitta was principal lady-in-waiting at the court of King Magnus Eriksson and Queen Blanka, but withdrew from the court after receiving a divine revelation and in 1346 was granted the property of Kungsgården for the foundation of an abbey, which was completed only six years after her death, in 1379. She was canonized in 1394. One of Sweden's best-preserved castles is located in Vadstena. It was completed in the 16th century and houses the provincial archives as well as a museum.Thereafter the little settlement of Vadstena rose to importance as a place of pilgrimage and market town, and was granted a municipal charter in 1400. After the Reformation Vadstena declined, but it has recently recovered some importance with the growth of the tourist trade.
Vadstena Castle
By the harbor stands Vadstena Castle, in Renaissance style, built by Gustavus Vasa in the 16th century and later altered and enlarged by his son, John III, and grandson, Duke John. The high curtain walls along the lake front were pulled down to supply stone for the construction of the harbor pier.
Blue Church
North of Vadstena Castle is the Blue Church (Blåkyrkan), so called from the color of the limestone of which it is built (restored 1898). The most notable feature of the interior is the 15th century St Birgitta's Altar, by a Lübeck master. To the left of the altar is the reliquary of St Birgitta, with the figure of the saint in the central part. On a pillar in the nave is a sculpture of St Birgitta in ecstasy which was much venerated in the Middle Ages. The nuns' quarters are still largely preserved, as are the more modest buildings to the south which were built for the monks in the 18th century. Gustavus Adolphus converted the abbey into a home for old soldiers.
Mårten Skinners Hus
Immediately outside the Blue Church abbey in Vadstena is Mårten Skinners Hus (16th C.). The situation of the Town Hall (15th C.) shows how the center of the town had moved away from the abbey towards the castle. In Rådhustorget (Town Hall Square) are a number of well-preserved burghers' houses, notably Udd Jönssons Hus. In Storgatan is the Finspång Hotel.
St Birgitta Pageant Play
Vadstena St Birgitta Pageant Play is in June.This three-play act is held during a weekend in mid-June every year in Vadstena. The play depicts the life of Saint Birgitta, who founded the Abbey Church in the town between the mid-14th and 15th centuries.Local residents produce and act in the play, which is followed by open-air parties, food and drink stalls and public dances.
Christmas Bazaar
Vadstena Christmas Bazaar is held in November.
