Björke Church

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

Not to be confused with Bjørke Church (Ørsta).
Björke Church
Björke kyrka
Björke Church, view of the exterior
Björke Church
Location on Gotland
57°30′27″N 18°25′17″E
CountrySweden
DenominationChurch of Sweden
Administration
DioceseVisby

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. "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. "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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