Heda Church, Ödeshög, Sweden

The oldest parts of Heda Church were built in the early 1100s. It was renovated to the Cistercian style in the late 13th century. The church was enlarged between 1855-1858.

The most interesting detail in Heda church is the fine collection of medieval wooden sculptures. The most famous of these is a remarkably well preserved wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven, which is more than eight hundred years old. The church also possesses other images of the Madonna, a thirteenth century oak crucifix, a medieval image of John the Baptist and a fifteenth century triptych, made locally. There are ancient rune stones built into the church wall.

References:

Marianne Mehling et al. Knaurs Kulturführer in Farbe. Schweden. München 1987.

User Reviews

Tobias Ag (2 years ago)
12th century church 2 rune stones on the back of the apse outside. Structure unusual. More like a c or E than a +. Tapestry from 1500 and wooden figures. Whoever comes by likes to stop

Mikael Rehnstrand (2 years ago)
Very nice and atmospheric church where you can see the wings of history. Well worth one or more visits!

3Enz (2 years ago)
Very well maintained church as well as the surrounding grounds. As part of the pilgrimage route, the church is also open. ⛪ One should look down around the church, on the east side two more rune stones from earlier days have been built into the wall. ?

Lotta svennberg (3 years ago)
Heda marken has a long history and is located around Heda church. Both the market (once a year) and the church are worth a visit and you get to feel the vibes from the early 20th century

Tomas Ström (4 years ago)
Nice little church with nice arches and interesting history.

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Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

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These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Heda Church

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