Højby Church, Højby, Denmark

Højby Church dates back to the beginning of the 12th century and it is constructed in granite. Several modifications have taken place since the original construction including a porch in the 13th century, Gothic cross-vaulting in the nave and chancel in the 14th century, a tower around the year 1400 as well as a vestry, a chapel and a new entrance porch towards the end of the Middle Ages.

The church is recognised for its fine wall paintings which are considered to be among the best in the country from the late Gothic period. They were probably created at the beginning of the 15th century, shortly after the cross vaults were added. They were discovered in 1901 and have been restored on several occasions. During the last restoration in 2007, the painting of Erasmus' martyrdom was revealed for the first time.

The paintings in the chancel tell the story of the Day of Judgment with images of Christ, a basoon-playing archangel and St Michael. The lost souls are shown going to hell with the devil standing in its flames. There is also a painting of St George and the dragon including the Syrian princess he saved from the dragon.

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User Reviews

Anne-Marie Olsen (14 months ago)
Beautiful church with many frescoes. Funny story with the crooked floor. Beautiful church wall of natural stone

Tommy Christiansen (17 months ago)
A beautiful church with beautiful frescoes. Located high up with a wonderful view of the area.

Pia Gaff (20 months ago)
Was for urn lowering, very nice and the engraver had a good feel for the grieving needs

Lasse von Guldborg (2 years ago)
Really nice church. Haven't been inside the actual church yet.

Frederik Raunstrup (2 years ago)
Beautiful paintings in this 1100 church

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The stone church of Gamla Uppsala, built over the pagan temple, dates from the early 12th century. Due to fire and renovations, the present church is only a remnant of the original cathedral.

Before the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was the seat of Swedish kings and a ceremonial site known all over northern Europe. The settlement was home to royal palaces, a royal burial ground, and a great pagan temple. The Uppsala temple, which was described in detail by Adam of Bremen in the 1070s, housed wooden statues of the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Freyr. A golden chain hung across its gables and the inside was richly decorated with gold. The temple had priests, who sacrificed to the gods according to the needs of the people.

The first Christian cathedral was probably built in the 11th century, but finished in the 12th century. The stone building may have been preceded by a wooden church and probably by the large pagan temple.

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