Kestad kyrka
Kinnekulle

History of the Church

During the 17th and 18th centuries, several significant alterations were made to the church. Decorative wall paintings were added, together with a Renaissance pulpit and a Baroque altarpiece. In 1764, the medieval chancel was demolished and replaced with a larger and wider one.

In the second half of the 19th century, it was decided that the church would be demolished and replaced by a new church to serve the parishes of Kestad and Österplana. However, the old church was to remain standing for ten years after the new building had been completed. Demolition began in 1888, but it was ultimately decided to preserve the medieval nave. The building ceased to function as a church and was instead used as a community hall.

In 1925, the church was rededicated following essential restoration work, during which the pulpit, altar, baptismal font, and other furnishings were reinstated. A new chancel was constructed on the medieval foundations in 1965, and a sacristy was added at the same time.

The Baptismal Font

The baptismal font at Kestad is regarded as one of the most remarkable in the province of Västergötland. Cylindrical in shape, it dates from the first half of the 12th century.

The bowl is decorated with eight arcades containing carved figures, traditionally interpreted as illustrating the path to salvation. Only two scenes are shown frontally: Christ in Majesty and a priest celebrating the Eucharist. From the Communion scene, the narrative unfolds in both directions towards the image of Christ.

To the right are depictions of the Lamb of God, a missionary, and a worshipper. On the left are scenes symbolising the triumph over evil, St. Michael weighing souls, and the Keys to Paradise.

Angels on the Ceiling

During the 1630s or 1640s, the church interior was decorated with painted vaults and walls. The paintings belong to the style known as the Early Läckö School, led by the artist Gullick Gullicksson. The decorative programme consists of acanthus vines, mascarons, and angels.

Fragments of paintings from the 1790s, executed in a completely different style, remain visible beside one of the windows. Although the entire church interior was whitewashed in 1796, the earlier paintings were uncovered and restored in 1914.

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 Demand-Responsive Transport (Närtrafik)

Närtrafik, operated by Västtrafik, is an on-demand transport service designed for rural areas. It collects passengers from any address within a designated service area and transports them to a bus stop within the same municipality.

How it works:

• Book by calling +46 (0)771 91 90 90 at least one hour before departure, within the scheduled operating hours.
• The fare is the same as a regular single public transport ticket.
• Payment can be made via the Västtrafik app, by card, or in cash.
• Senior travel cards are accepted (subject to inspection), while Västtrafik period passes are not valid on Närtrafik services.

Maps, timetables, and further information are available from Västtrafik.