Bladåker Church, Knutby, Sweden

The first written record of a church on the site of current Bladåker Church dates from 1316. The presently visible church, however, dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, with the exception of the sacristy (13th century) which is the only remains of the earlier, probably otherwise wooden, church. The church is constructed of fieldstone, with brick having been used for details and decorations in the façade. The external bell tower, made of wood, was erected in 1748. Inside, the church is decorated with frescos, dating from 1623. These were painted over during the 18th century but have since been restored. Among the church furnishings, a late medieval sculpture of the Holy Virgin and a number of wooden funeral coat of arms from the local nobility can be mentioned. The altarpiece is especially noteworthy as it was painted by Anna Maria Ehrenstrahl and donated by her to the church.

The church lies in a small hamlet, containing several well-preserved historical farmhouses and the former church school.

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Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Åsa Vällfors (2 years ago)
Calm and nice

Helena Persson (2 years ago)
My brother lives next door

Cissi Garland (2 years ago)

Urban Bergkvist (3 years ago)
Very nice environment. Beautiful surroundings. Well preserved buildings.

Eric A.L. Axner (5 years ago)
Something of a favourite in this part of Uppland. Somewhat isolated, it's a truly wonderful little church and cemetery with an awe-inspiring surrounding. Serene and tranquil, it's strongly recommended.

Bladåker Church

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Church of St Donatus