Björke Church

Björke Church, external view

Björke Church (Swedish: Björke kyrka) is a medieval Lutheran church on the Swedish island of Gotland, in the Diocese of Visby.

The nave is the oldest part of Björke Church, dating from the mid-13th century. The choir dates from the middle of the 14th century and replaced an earlier choir, half the size of the present one.[1] A church tower was never built.[2] The sacristy is the latest external addition to the church; it dates from 1860.[1]

Internally, the church ceiling is supported by six vaults – two in the choir and four, resting on a central column, in the nave. Among the furnishings, the crucifix dates from 1160 and the pulpit from 1594; it is one of the oldest on Gotland. Of later date are the altarpiece (1911) and the votive ship, donated to the church in 2004.[1][2]

The church underwent a renovation in 1910–12.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Björke kyrka" (in Swedish). Region Gotland. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Björke kyrka" (in Swedish). Church of Sweden. Retrieved 10 September 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 57°30′26″N 18°25′16″E / 57.50722°N 18.42111°E