Fullösa kyrka
Kinnekulle

Fullösa Church is situated within an ancient archaeological landscape, an area that was commonly used for settlement and ritual activity during the Middle Ages. The oldest preserved object from the church is a Romanesque triumphal crucifix from the 12th century, today kept at the Swedish History Museum. Both the crucifix and the design of the baptismal font indicate that the church itself dates from the 12th century.

The parish of Fullösa is first mentioned in written sources in 1290. The name is believed to be connected to the river Svartån, formerly called Fuldaån, where “Fulda” means a wide or broad river. The suffix “-lösa” is thought to refer to grazing land, making Fullösa one of the oldest known place names in the region.

The Medieval Church Building

The church is constructed of finely cut sandstone blocks (ashlar), with some granite elements. It was originally unplastered but has been whitewashed repeatedly over time. The building has remained largely unchanged and is considered very well preserved.

Inside the church, traces of an original Romanesque window can still be seen on the north wall of the nave. Enlargements of the medieval windows were carried out in the 1680s. In the 18th century, decorative drapery paintings were added around the windows. The sacristy received its current form in 1741.

The main entrance was originally located on the northwest side of the nave, marked by a finely carved stone portal with a semicircular arch. This portal is now preserved in the porch.

Wall and Ceiling Paintings

In the 1630s, the church walls were decorated with paintings associated with the Early Läckö School, including works attributed to Gullick Gullicksson. On the southern wall, Moses is depicted with the Ten Commandments.

The western part of the nave contains plant and hunting motifs, including deer and trees, similar to those found at Läckö Castle.

These medieval paintings were uncovered in 1914 after having been covered with whitewash for a long period. Additional drapery-style paintings from 1756 were created by Johan Laurell and Carl-Gustaf Hoijst.

The ceiling paintings, also from the 1740s, depict theological themes such as the Throne of Grace, the Trinity, Archangel Michael, the Last Judgment, and scenes of heaven and hell.

Two Baptismal Fonts

Fullösa Church preserves two very old baptismal fonts.

One originally belonged to Bolum Church, when the parish was divided between Fullösa and Bolum. It is decorated with a depiction of a beast or devil and Viking-style ornamentation, suggesting a 12th-century origin. It was installed in Fullösa Church in 1930 after having been used for many years as a flower planter.

The second font is bowl-shaped, carved in sandstone, and dated to the late 12th century. It is decorated with lily motifs, a style also found on local gravestones known as lily stones, characteristic of this part of Sweden.

Lily Stones

The churchyard contains several 12th–13th century lily stones, richly decorated with stylised floral patterns. One stone is particularly unique, featuring a carved star beneath a depiction of the Golgotha steps. The symbolism represents divine light, the birth of Christ, and resurrection.

Across all stones, the “tree of life” motif appears, symbolising resurrection and renewal.

The Bell Tower

The bell tower dates originally from the 17th century, with later modifications in the 19th century. There were once plans to rebuild it in stone, but the ground proved too unstable to support such a structure.

Church Guide

The Church Guide app provides additional information about the churches in the region and can also be used as a guide during your visit. Download it here.

Getting Here by Public Transport

By Bus (Västtrafik)

You can reach Fullösa Church by taking Västtrafik bus route 221 between Götene and Hällekis. Get off at Fullösa Church stop.

For timetables and journey planning, visit the Västtrafik website or use the Västtrafik To Go app.