Churches in Skara
Skara

Marvel at the wooden church towers, arch paintings, baptismal fonts from the 12th century, and a Madonna image from the 13th century.

Bjärklunda Church is situated along the road to Falköping. It was built in 1781 to replace the medieval churches in Bjärka and Härlunda, when these parishes merged.

Eggby Church is beautifully situated on a ridge between the Staka and Eggby Lakes in the picturesque Valle District. The oldest parts date back to the 12th century, whilst other parts were added in the 18th century. The church was further restored during the 20th century.

Händene Church is located 5 km outside of Skara, with appr. 300 parishioners. The oldest parts were built in the Romanesque style, and it has been modified and restored many times over the centuries. Due to its bright interior and attractive size, it is very popular for weddings and christenings.

Marum Church on the banks of the river Flian, is a small stone church with a wooden tower and one of the oldest churches in the Skara diocese: the tower and original nave were built in the 1130s to 1140s. The church features medieval frescoes and 18th century curtain paintings.

Norra Lundby Church from the 12th century originally measured 18 metres, but has since been extended to 31 metres. The sandstone font is from 1150, and there is a Madonna sculpture from the 13th century. Frescoes were added in the 1640s, and a tower was built between 1676 and 1687 at the time of the extension.

Norra Ving Church, on a ridge between Lake Hornborga and the Valle kame landscape, was built in the 12th century. The original walls still stand and form part of the church to this day. The nave was extended by 7 metres in 1751-52, and the church bells were cast in 1630 and 1727. Much of the original features have vanished, but some damaged wooden sculptures from the 17th century remain.

Skallmeja Church was built 1864-68 on the site of an older church and overlooks the river Dofsan. A simple medieval font remains from the original church. An early 18th century altar piece, depicting the Walk to Golgotha, was restored in 1937. Eight medieval icons and a 14th century crucifix have been preserved.

Skånings Åsaka Church from 1873, replacing an earlier medieval church, has an extraordinary triumph crucifix, featuring Mary and John at the crucifixion - a so-called Calvary group - inspired by the famous Volto santo (Holy Face) of Lucca. The interior is bright and spacious, with mainly white and grey colours. A beautiful embroidered and jewel-encrusted silk antependium, together with a chandelier donated by Jesper Swedberg in the 18th century, adorn the church. Several bishops are buried in the adjacent cemetery, which has headstones from the 17th century.

Skärv Church was built between 1785 and 1791 on the site of the original apse church from the late 12th century. Building materials were taken from the ruins of Axvall Castle, among other places. The surrounding cemetary slopes down to Lake Bysjön. The oldest church bell dates back to 1652, and the ciboriumto 1677. Author Sophie von Knorring is buried here.

Stenum Church was built in 1867 in neoclassical style, and is typical of the churches built in the Skara area during mid-19th century. It was renovated in 1925 and 1952, but the original altar piece has been preserved. The church also features a 12th century sandstone font, and a medieval church bell.

Vinköl Church was built 1870-1872 in the so-called ”English Cathedral-style” (the architect Ernst Jakobsson had studied in England). The church is built with granite in the shape of a cross, with low walls and high, ascending ceiling. The peculiar font has a mussel-shaped basin and is adorned with four human heads. The forested cemetery, unusual for a country church, was created west of the church in 1937.

Västra Gerum Church is a small medieval church, constructed with granite, sandstone, and brick. The original chancel was demolished in 1740, when the church was extended to its current size. The vestry was added in 1755. The pulpit and altar piece date back to late 17th century, and have been renovated. The sandstone font is medieval.