Villberga Church, Grillby, Sweden

The original Villberga church consisting of nave and chancel was built probably between 1227-1280. Until the mid-1300s the vaulting of brick and current vestry were added. Simultaneously with the arches were added probably. The porch has been dated to the period 1250-1350. The original frescoes were made probably in the mid-1400s by an unknown artist associated with Mälardalen School. At the end of the 1400's them were overpainted and new paintings were added by Albertus Pictor or any of his students.

Apart from some window enlargements, the exterior has remained relatively unchanged since the Middle Ages. The interior, however, has undergone several changes. By the 1700s medieval paintings were overpainted. At the same time the existing furnishings were changed. Also the organs, organ facade and pulpit were added then.

One of the key attractions of Villberga Church are the preserved medieval frescoes that adorn the wall. The altar screen was made around 1510 in Jan Borman’s workshop in Brussels. According to a legend the altar was brought from Germany during the Thirty Years' War and it came to Villberga church in 1632.

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Wikipedia

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Sonia Lysen (10 months ago)
Interesting church that was closed when we arrived.

Oskar Kuus (10 months ago)
A church. No big deal

B G (3 years ago)
Nice church with harmonious and well-kept cemetery well located by the country road. Well worth a visit.

Robert Hagblom (3 years ago)
Waiting for a friend ...

Villberga Church

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