Scientific research on Catherine Månsdotter begins – Coffin to be opened for the first time since the 1860s

The restoration of Turku Cathedral offers a rare opportunity to carry out the study. The aim of the research is to produce new information about Catherine's life using modern scientific methods, while respecting the deceased and the sanctity of her grave.

Catherine Månsdotter has fascinated people for centuries, but gaps in the historical record have often been filled with speculation due to the scarcity of sources. Modern bioarchaeological methods now offer the first opportunity to examine Catherine's health and childhood diet, as well as produce new information about her appearance and background.

"Our goal is to complement the historical understanding of Catherine Månsdotter," says researcher Ulla Nordfors.

 “The remains will be handled with the utmost respect and will only be examined to the extent strictly necessary for the research. In many ways, the study can be compared to a medical examination,” Nordfors adds.

As the only Swedish royal buried on the Finnish side of the former realm, Catherine Månsdotter enjoys a certain cult status in Turku. Flowers are still regularly brought to the grave, and her burial site is one of the most visited points of interest at Turku Cathedral.

" Catherine Månsdotter holds a special place for us at the cathedral," says Aulikki Mäkinen, Dean of Turku Cathedral.

"She reminds us all how surprising and unpredictable human life can be. Despite our desire to shape our own destinies, historical circumstances can carry individuals in unexpected directions. Yet, even such conditions, Catherine was able to build a life of her own.  We are deeply privileged that she rests here, in Finland, under the care of Turku Cathedral.”

Register for the press conference

Although Catherine was a public figure in her own time, modern ethical standards place restrictions on the handling of human remains. The research will be conducted inside Turku Cathedral, next to Catherine's sarcophagus. To safeguard the sanctity of the grave and ensure appropriate working conditions for the researchers, media access will be limited to the press briefing on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at 12:00. Journalists will not be admitted to the cathedral outside this time, and photographing the remains is not permitted. The research is being conducted in collaboration between the Museum Centre Vapriikki and the University of Turku and is led by Associate Professor Ulla Nordfors.

Please register by 9 February at 12:00: Communications Specialist Tähtitalvikki Poikajärvi, tel. 0503211189, or tahtitalvikki.poikajarvi@tampere.fi. Journalists wishing to interview Ulla Nordfors should reserve a five-minute time slot when registering. Interviews will be conducted in order of reservation following the joint briefing.

The press conference will be held in Finnish. Interviews can be conducted in English.

Access to the cathedral on February 10 will be through the accessible door. The door is located on the north side of the church, on Tuomiokirkonkatu street. Map directions are available at www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/esteettomyys.