| Gothem Church | |
|---|---|
Gothem kyrka | |
 Gothem Church, view of the exterior | |
  Gothem Church Location on Gotland | |
| 57°34′31″N18°44′06″E / 57.5754°N 18.7349°E Coordinates: 57°34′31″N18°44′06″E / 57.5754°N 18.7349°E | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Denomination | Church of Sweden |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Visby |
Gothem Church (Swedish : Gothems kyrka) is a medieval church in Gothem on the Swedish island of Gotland. Gothic in style, it has remained largely unaltered since the 14th century. It lies in the Diocese of Visby.
The presently visible, Gothic church is probably the successor of two earlier churches, the first a stave church or at least a wooden church, which was later replaced by a Romanesque stone church. Rebuilding of the church into its present form was carried out between the early 13th and mid-14th centuries. The church may originally have been built to serve a large farmstead. Since its completion during the 14th century, the church has remained largely unaltered. [1] [2]
The church has a tall and slender western toward which contains a single bell, built by the Gothic builder workshop known by its notname Egypticus, which was active on Gotland during the time period 1330-1380. [3] The nave is divided into two by a single column, and the choir ends in an apse. During a restoration in the 1950s, medieval murals were uncovered. They now again completely dominate the interior of the church. They are partly designed as imitations of drapery and tapestries, and partly depict biblical scenes and other figures (including knights and footmen fighting). They date from c. 1300 and were probably executed by an anonymous German artist. [1] [2]
The church also incorporates a choir bench from the first half of the 14th century and a church bell from 1374; otherwise, most of the furniture is later, Baroque in style. [1] [2]
Close to the church are the relatively well-preserved ruins of a defensive tower dating from the 12th century, built as a place for protection for the congregation during times of war or danger. [1]
Fröjel Church is a medieval church in Fröjel on the Swedish island of Gotland. Fröjel Church may have been built to serve not only as a church, but also as a fortification. Stylistically, it is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and contains murals from the early 14th century. It is associated with the Diocese of Visby of the Church of Sweden.
Gammelgarn Church is a medieval church in Gammelgarn on the Swedish island of Gotland. The largely Gothic church stands next to an older defensive tower. The church's main portal is richly decorated with medieval sculpture, and the interior contains an altarpiece from the 14th century of high craftsmanship. The church is in the Diocese of Visby of the Church of Sweden.
Grötlingbo Church is a medieval church in Grötlingbo on the Swedish island Gotland. The stately Gothic church contains elements of a Romanesque frieze, incorporated from an earlier church building on the same site. Görtlingbo Church lies within the Diocese of Visby.
Martebo Church is a medieval church on the Swedish island of Gotland. Its three portals contain some of the richest medieval sculpture on the island. Martebo Church lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Anga Church is a 13th century church in Anga on the Swedish island of Gotland. It is one of the most well-preserved Romanesque churches on Gotland, and was possibly preceded by a stave church. Inside, the church is decorated with medieval murals from three different periods, as well as some medieval furnishings. Some wooden sculptures from the church are today exhibited in a museum in Visby. The church belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies within the Diocese of Visby.
Burs Church is a medieval church in Burs on the Swedish island of Gotland. The oldest parts of the church is the Romanesque nave, while the large choir is Gothic and richly decorated in the style of the time. Inside, the church has an altarpiece from the 15th century and a Gothic choir stall, among other things.
Stenkyrka Church is a medieval church in Stenkyrka on the Swedish island of Gotland. Although the current church dates from the 13th century, it was probably preceded by one of the earliest churches on Gotland at this site. Stenkyrka Church is dominated by its large tower and its interior is decorated with medieval frescos. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Hörsne Church is a medieval church in Hörsne-Bara on the Swedish island of Gotland. Dating from the 13th to the 14th century, the church has unusually richly decorated portals. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby of the Church of Sweden.
Etelmhem Church is a medieval church on the Swedish island of Gotland. The largely Gothic church contains medieval murals and a 12th-century baptismal font by the sculptor Hegvald. The church is used by the Church of Sweden and part of Diocese of Visby.
Barlingbo Church is a medieval church in Barlingbo on the Swedish island of Gotland. It dates from the 13th century and has been altered little since. It contains furnishings from several centuries, including an unusual medieval baptismal font, decorated with figures and runes. The church belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Dalhem Church is a medieval church in Dalhem on the Swedish island of Gotland. Built in the 13th and 14th century, the church underwent major changes during a renovation at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries. Dalhem Church lies in the Diocese of Visby of the Church of Sweden.
Eskelhem Church is a medieval church in Eskelhem on the Swedish island of Gotland, in the Diocese of Visby.
Halla Church is a medieval church in Halla on the Swedish island Gotland. It is part of the Diocese of Visby.
Hogrän Church is a medieval church in Hogrän on the Swedish island of Gotland. It was built in stages between the 12th and 14th century, and contains several medieval church fittings. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Klinte Church is a medieval church in Klinte on the Swedish island of Gotland, not far from Klintehamn. Finished around the 1300, it is a largely Gothic church. It is part of the Diocese of Visby.
Kräklingbo Church is a medieval church in Kräklingbo on the Swedish island of Gotland. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Lummelunda Church is a medieval church in Lummelunda on the Swedish island of Gotland. The oldest parts were built circa 1200, and the last major alterations made in the 14th century when a new choir was built. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Mästerby Church is a medieval church in Mästerby on the Swedish island of Gotland. It is richly decorated with medieval frescos. Mästerby Church belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Norrlanda Church is a medieval church on the Swedish island Gotland, in the Diocese of Visby.
Vall Church is a medieval church on the Swedish island of Gotland. The largely Romanesque church dates from the 13th century. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
