Orkesta Church, Vallentuna, Sweden

Orkesta Church in Vallentuna was built in the late 12th century and the the eastern part of original nave remains. The sacristy and southern nave were added in the 15th century. The round window was added in 1750.

The crucifix was carved between 1325-1350. The rococo style pulpit was added during the restoration in 1753. The external wooden belfry was erected in the 17th century.

According a legend, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden was born in the church. The near Lindholmen farm was owned by Vasa family in the late Middle Ages.

Orkesta Runestones

The Orkesta Runestones are a set of 11th-century runestones engraved in Old Norse with the Younger Futhark alphabet that are located at the church of Orkesta.

Several of the stones were raised by, or in memory of, the Swedish Viking Ulf of Borresta, who during the 11th century returned home three times with danegeld. The leaders of the three expeditions were Skagul Toste (Tosti), Thorkell the Tall (Þorketill), and Canute the Great (Knútr). This Ulfr also made the Risbyle Runestones in the same region, and he was mentioned on the lost runestone U 343.

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Mikael L (3 years ago)
Small church.

Eric A.L. Axner (4 years ago)
Simply wonderful.

Kenneth Falk (4 years ago)
Beautiful and somewhat hidden place. Will find myself looking for some forgotten Viking from the past.

Magnus Beronius (5 years ago)
Here we use morning coffee on our small hoisting ropes in beautiful Uppland - norrOm STHLM - on our further up to ex: ice Skärplinge ... #beronius_mc

Patrick Harryson (6 years ago)
A beautiful church

Orkesta Church

Orkesta Runestones

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Trencín Castle