CATHEDRAL (LUNDS DOMKYRKA)

Since the ^12th century, the cathedral's two towers, known as "Lunna Pågarna", have risen above the plain, telling travellers that they are no longer far from Lund. It also reminds us that there were as many as 27 churches and 8 convents here. The church features an unusual interplay of different shades of sandstone from a quarry in the Lund region. The same quarry, still used today for the cathedral's needs, provided the sandstone for its ornamental and figurative sculptures of rare richness. The cathedral's most popular attraction is its astronomical clock, dating from the late ^14th century. Every day, at the stroke of 12 noon and at 3 p.m. (Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m.), a mechanism sets wooden figurines in motion: the show begins with an exchange of swords between two knights... The church is home to a set of beautiful stalls designed for the canons of the old Saint-Laurent monastery, which once belonged to the church. The triptych above the altar dates from the ^15th century. The apse ends at the top with a mosaic depicting Christ, the work of Joakim Skovgaard in 1925.

Don't miss a visit to the crypt, reached by descending the staircase beside the altar. Dating from 1123, it houses the tombs of famous figures. It is supported by columns carved with sculptures. One is said to represent Finn the Giant, who, according to legend, built the church for Saint Laurent.