Forshem Church

Hällekis, Sweden

The oldest part of Forshem Church is the nave from the middle of the 12th century. The present vaults are late medieval. The chancel is not original and was built in the 13th century. The most thorough changes were made in the 1760´s when the church was transformed into a cruciform church. It was restored in 1939 when the 17th century paintings were uncovered from underneath the whitewash of the walls.

The interior contains some very old stone reliefs. There are also lily stones unique for this part of Sweden. They symbol the tree of life, the resurrection of Christ and eternal life, depicting steps at the bottom, a stem and branches in blossom.

Also visit the Forshem Stone Museum on the opposite side of the road, exhibiting 20 fragments of lily stones and grave stones, including an Irish 12th century cross.

References:

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Address

2714, Hällekis, Sweden
See all sites in Hällekis

Details

Founded: c. 1150
Category: Religious sites in Sweden
Historical period: Consolidation (Sweden)

More Information

www.svenskakyrkan.se

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

birgitta strand (10 months ago)
It turned out that it was not open although there was a sign outside the church that it was open had gone from Hjo we were there 4 Oct.
Mac Cat (12 months ago)
Sweden's oldest stone church gives an old and solid impression with fine decorations and surroundings. Generous opening hours. Missing info folder.
Leif Nordlander (13 months ago)
This unique church dedicated to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The inside is that there may have been crusaders in the village. Maybe Arn has a little historical background.
Christer Lundberg (14 months ago)
Well worth a visit and look at the old interior
Dag-Inge Fäger (17 months ago)
Very beautiful! The story is also interesting.
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