Sankt Pauli Kyrka (Saint Paul Church), Malmo

Saint Paul’s Church in Malmö is an architectural landmark designed by Emil Viktor Langlet and constructed between 1879 and 1882. In keeping with Christian tradition, the church was built near a water source—a shallow lake called Östra Rörsjön, which once existed outside Malmö Fortress and provided water for baptisms. Due to the marshy terrain, the church’s foundation is set on large piles and continues to sink a few centimeters each year. This unstable ground also necessitated that the church’s cemeteries be placed at a distance in the southeast, to prevent the spread of diseases.

The church’s unique hexagonal shape, constructed of yellow brick, is crowned by a central tower symbolizing Jesus, surrounded by twelve smaller towers representing his disciples. The main tower is topped with a golden cross and wreath, evoking the flame of the Spirit of God and the first day of Pentecost.

Originally, the roof was made of copper and painted gray but was later repainted green to give the illusion of a patina. In 2013, the roof was replaced with aluminum, which over time is expected to develop a silvery-gray hue, similar to the original appearance.

The interior is spacious, with a capacity for up to 1,200 people. Two chapels, one for baptism and the other for devotion, are adorned with intricate paintings illustrating Biblical stories and scenes from the apostolic works. The church is lit by elegant Art Nouveau lamps from the 1920s, adding a vintage charm to the space. Noteworthy artifacts include a communion jug donated by King Oscar II and side chapel windows painted in the 1950s. In the right side chapel, a memorial plaque honors the parishioners who lost their lives at sea during World War II.