Björke Church
Björke kyrka
Björke Church, view of the exterior
Björke Church is located in Gotland
Björke Church
Björke Church
Location on Gotland
57°30′27″N 18°25′17″E / 57.5074°N 18.4214°E / 57.5074; 18.4214
CountrySweden
DenominationChurch of Sweden

Björke Church (Swedish: Björke kyrka) is a medieval church in Björke 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 planned but never built.[2][3] The sacristy is the last part to be added 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][3]

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

Björke Church belongs to the Church of Sweden and lies within the Diocese of Visby.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Björke kyrka" (in Swedish). Region Gotland. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  2. ↑ Jacobsson, Britta; Johansson, Eva; Johansson, Per; Andersson, Rolf (1990). Våra kyrkor (in Swedish). Västervik: Klarkullens förlag AB. p. 683. ISBN 91-971561-08.
  3. 1 2 "Björke kyrka" (in Swedish). Church of Sweden. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Eskelhems pastorat" (in Swedish). Diocese of Visby (Church of Sweden). Retrieved 25 January 2020.
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