Herrestad Church

Vadstena, Sweden

Herrestad Church is one of the oldest existing churches in Sweden. According the Radiocarbon dating of wooden parts the construction was started in 1112. Archaeologists have also found nearby an early Christian tomb from the 1000s. It is quite probable there has been a wooden church before the stone church was built.

Herrestad church was made of limestone in early Romanesque style. The interior includes a medieval triptych, which depicts the coronation of the Virgin Mary and which was made at Vadstena Monastery in the 15th century. There is also an original medieval font, along with a triumphal crucifix from the 15th century. The pulpit was carved in the 16th century piece by a local artist. The church doors date back to the earliest days of the building.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Herrestad 312, Vadstena, Sweden

See all sites in Vadstena

Details

Founded: ca. 1112
Category: Religious sites in Sweden
Historical period: Consolidation (Sweden)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Vadstena Castle (7,5 km)
Vadstena Museum (7,8 km)
Vadstena Town Hall (7,7 km)
Bishop’s House (8 km)
Väversunda Church (7,6 km)
Rogslösa Church (4,1 km)

Askersund Country Church (54,5 km)
Brahehus Castle Ruins (41,6 km)
Vadstena Abbey (8,2 km)
Red Tower (8,1 km)
Visingsborg Castle Ruins (47,8 km)
Hospital Museum (8,4 km)
Alvastra Monastery Ruins (13,7 km)
Rök Runestone (10,8 km)
Säby Church (44,9 km)

User Reviews

Bertil Lindgren (3 years ago)
One of the oldest churches around Omberg, or rather one of Sweden's oldest. The church is from the early 12th century, so soon it is almost a thousand years old. In the armory there are two old doors with beautiful wrought iron fittings. Fantastic to be able to experience the tranquility and history of this building.

Fredrik Dahlin (3 years ago)
Very beautiful church but nice environment all around. The church is over 900 years old and small but cosy.

Anders Berggren (3 years ago)
Located very nice with a view of the mountains and the fog.

Annika Strid (4 years ago)

Björn Englund (4 years ago)
Nice

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright murphygb

Historic Site of the week

Clickimin Broch

The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.