From the "castal", the stronghold on the hill beside the church,
the watchmen on a July morning in 1361 beheld the invasion fleet of Valdemar
Atterdag beyond the Karlsöarna (Karl islands). The partly demolished
watch-tower was perhaps contemporary with the oldest church, of which the
ashlar-built nave from the end of the 12th century still survives; the tower
was built not much later. At the end of the 13th century a new church was
planned and the Gothic chancel was built, but as at so many other places
one came no further. Note the chancel door with original iron work! In connection
with the completion of the building mural paintings were executed in the
chancel. To the fittings in the chancel also belongs the wall cupboard with
excellently carved doors. The Holy Rood originates from the workshop led
by the master of the famous Rood in Öja church. An uncommon abundance
of figures surrounds the Crucifixion. The font with the funny monsters (14th
century) is the only one of its kind in Gotland, but a number of the workshop's
product are to be found in churches around the Baltic. The base, though
has belonged to a 12th century font. The pulpit is said to be made in 1600
and has interesting evangelist portraits on the stair barrier.
Photo Hans Hemlin
Text Dr. Bengt G Söderberg
©1997 Created by Sören_Gannholm