Villberga Church, Grillby, Sweden

The original Villberga church consisting of nave and chancel was built probably between 1227-1280. Until the mid-1300s the vaulting of brick and current vestry were added. Simultaneously with the arches were added probably. The porch has been dated to the period 1250-1350. The original frescoes were made probably in the mid-1400s by an unknown artist associated with Mälardalen School. At the end of the 1400's them were overpainted and new paintings were added by Albertus Pictor or any of his students.

Apart from some window enlargements, the exterior has remained relatively unchanged since the Middle Ages. The interior, however, has undergone several changes. By the 1700s medieval paintings were overpainted. At the same time the existing furnishings were changed. Also the organs, organ facade and pulpit were added then.

One of the key attractions of Villberga Church are the preserved medieval frescoes that adorn the wall. The altar screen was made around 1510 in Jan Borman’s workshop in Brussels. According to a legend the altar was brought from Germany during the Thirty Years' War and it came to Villberga church in 1632.

References:

Wikipedia

Sigmaringen Castle

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.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

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

Sonia Lysen (5 months ago)
Interesting church that was closed when we arrived.

Oskar Kuus (5 months ago)
A church. No big deal

B G (3 years ago)
Nice church with harmonious and well-kept cemetery well located by the country road. Well worth a visit.

Robert Hagblom (3 years ago)
Waiting for a friend ...

Villberga Church

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