| Vallstena Church | |
|---|---|
Vallstena kyrka | |
 Vallstena Church, view of the exterior | |
  Vallstena Church | |
| 57°36′35″N18°38′12″E / 57.60972°N 18.63667°E | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Denomination | Church of Sweden |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Visby |
Vallstena Church (Swedish : Vallstena kyrka) is a medieval church on the island of Gotland, Sweden. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
The western part of the nave and the church tower are the oldest parts of the asymmetrical church; they date from the early 13th century. A new chancel arch was built at the middle of the same century, and around circa 1300 the new choir was built. Reconstruction of the nave also started around this time; the original plan seems to have been to replace the entire nave with a new, larger nave but for some reason the work came to a halt. Similar, half-rebuilt churches are relatively common on Gotland. The sacristy was also built at this time. The interior of the church was decorated with medieval murals in the 15th century. The western, older part of the church is Romanesque in style; the eastern Gothic. [1] [2]
The church and its cemetery is surrounded by a low wall, with three lychgates. The oldest of these dates from the 13th century and display some original sculptured details. [1]
The baptismal font is the oldest fitting of the church, dating from the middle of the 13th century. The altarpiece dates from the 14th century and was acquired when the new choir was inaugurated. From the same century dates a crucifix, as well as a richly decorated chest for donations for the poor. From the 14th century are also to tombstones on either side of the altar, carrying inscriptions in both Latin and Old Gutnish; the latter in runes. A few 14th century wooden statues depicting saints originally from Vallstena Church are today housed in Gotland Museum in Visby. [2]
Alskog Church is a medieval church in Alskog on the Swedish island of Gotland. The church in its entirety dates from the 13th century, with the last additions probably being made c. 1300. A few alterations are of later date. It contains several medieval furnishings, as well as some medieval stained glass windows. Alskog Church belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
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 murals. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Hemse Church is a medieval Lutheran church in Hemse on the island of Gotland. Preceded by the most well-preserved early stave church discovered in Sweden, the current church dates mainly from the 13th century. It contains sets of medieval murals as well as some medieval furnishings. It is part of the Diocese of Visby.
Atlingbo Church is a medieval church in Atlingbo on the Swedish island Gotland. Atlingbo Church was built in stages during the 13th century, with only the sacristy being of later date. The church contains a decorated Romanesque baptismal font made by the workshop or sculptor known as Byzantios. It is used by the Church of Sweden and lies in the 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.
Boge Church is a medieval church in Boge not far from Slite on the Swedish island of Gotland. Its main construction period was during the 13th century, but the tower was rebuilt following its collapse in a storm during the 19th century. It contains sets of medieval murals. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Buttle Church is a medieval church in Buttle on the Swedish island of Gotland. It is one of the more well-preserved Romanesque churches on Gotland, and contains both a number of medieval furnishings as well medieval murals. Buttle Church belongs to the Diocese of Visby of the Church of Sweden.
Björke Church is a medieval church in Björke on the Swedish island of Gotland, in 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.
Levide Church is a medieval church on the Swedish island of Gotland. It lies in 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 murals. Mästerby Church belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Guldrupe Church is a medieval church in Guldrupe on the island of Gotland. Its peculiar shape is due to the nave being older than the choir. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby (Sweden).
Hejde Church is a medieval Lutheran church in Hejde on the island of Gotland It lies the Diocese of Visby.
Silte Church is an almost unaltered medieval church on the Swedish island of Gotland. Silte Church was built during the 13th century and contains a number of medieval fittings as well as murals. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies in the Diocese of Visby.
Rute Church is a medieval church in Rute on the Swedish island Gotland, in the Baltic Sea. The 13th century church contains medieval murals, and is unusual in that its vaults are supported by square pillars and not round columns. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Sanda Church is a medieval church on the island of Gotland, Sweden. Its oldest parts date from the middle of the 13th century. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Sjonhem Church is a medieval church on the island of Gotland, Sweden. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Stenkumla Church is a medieval church in Stenkumla on the island of Gotland, Sweden. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby. During the Middle Ages, the church was dedicated to Saint Lawrence.
Vänge Church is a medieval church in Vänge on the island of Gotland, Sweden. Its oldest parts date to circa 1200. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
Media related to Vallstena kyrka at Wikimedia Commons