The story of Stella Maris on Sävö

Out on the eastern side of the picturesque island Sävö in the Sörmland archipelago stands a three-meter-high figure made of wood, gazing out over the sea. It is Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) – a unique sculpture created by the artist Anita Grede which serves as both a spiritual monument and a tangible shelter for hikers.

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A mantle madonna made of reclaimed wood

The artwork, which was inaugurated in 2003, is a so-called mantle madonna. The figure is made of sturdy oak, while her protective mantle carries its own local history.
The mantle is built from several hundred-year-old, reused boards that were salvaged when an old workers' housing at Gärdesta was demolished. Under Anita Grede's guidance, the historical wood was given new life. The same unique material can also be found in her other famous wooden structure: Sweden's first motorway chapel at Sillekrog along the E4.

Dual function: Artwork and windbreak

Stella Maris is not just meant to be viewed from a distance. The artwork is designed so that visitors and hikers can literally step into her embrace.
    • Physical protection: The back of the sculpture serves as a practical windbreak along Sörmlandsleden, where tired archipelago hikers can seek shelter from the harsh sea winds.
    • Guestbook in the embrace: Inside the sculpture, there is a guestbook. There, passersby can write down their thoughts, prayers, or reflections during their stay on the island.

From the sea of war to the struggle for the environment

Historically, the Baltic Sea has been a sea of war where great powers have fought for dominance. With Stella Maris, Anita Grede has aimed to shift the focus to our time's absolute greatest challenge: to save the sea itself to life.
The sculpture is placed on Sävö to serve as a symbolic guardian watching over the archipelago, but above all to make us humans pause. It is meant to remind visitors of the vulnerability of the Baltic Sea and the shared responsibility we have to defend and care for the marine environment.

Visiting Stella Maris

For those who want to experience the artwork up close, Sävö is a popular excursion destination in Nyköping's archipelago. The island is easily reached with a short boat trip from Källviks pier. The artwork underwent extensive renovation during the summer of 2022 under the guidance of Anita Grede herself, during which the sculpture was disassembled, restored, and regained its original, vibrant colors.