Of the oldest church, that according to a painted inscription in the
chancel, was dedicated to St Nicolas in 121 1, the chancel and part of the
nave remain. Originally there was an apse, the fundaments of which can be
seen on the ground outside. The present nave was built about 1300, when
the western part of the old nave was pulled down; in connection with the
rebuilding the two Gothic portals were put in. On the northern wall there
is a suite of Romanesque paintings, which were damaged already when the
vestry door was broken up about 1300, and at the restoration in 1908 they
were extensively completed. Besides the paintings in Mästerby they
are the only Romanesque paintings in West-European style preserved in the
isle. The altar piece with paintings on the outside of the wings is a Gotlandic
work from the beginning of the 16 th century and as such a rarity. The Rood
dates from the second part of the 13th century. Part of a stunted choir-stall
stands at the northern wall, and fragmentary planks from its back-panel
with a painted series of saints have been taken to the Visby museum.
Photo Hans Hemlin
Text Dr. Bengt G Söderberg
©1997 Created by Sören_Gannholm