Gotland's Churches
Gotland is called the island of 100 churches, and that is by no means an exaggeration. Every small village has its own church.
Gotland is called the island of 100 churches, and that is by no means an exaggeration. Every small village has its own church. They were built intensively during the period from 1100 to 1350. Researchers of places of worship have counted 8 types of church, ranging from those resembling wooden huts to ones with fairly tall bell towers. The island's permanent residents are 100% Lutheran, so the churches do not stand out for their splendour. The Nordic aversion to ostentation also naturally contributes its own simplicity and asceticism to their interiors. Typically built of limestone, stone and wood.
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TINGSTÄDE (1)
(1) TINGSTÄDE is located in the northern part of Gotland, next to road 148 that runs from VISBY to LÄRBRO. This church was founded in the 12th century, the limestone wall finish was completed in the 13th century, the crucifix has been preserved from the 14th century, while the altar and pulpit were created in the 18th century. Interestingly, the eaves of the grey wooden roof are decorated with the Jumis sign familiar to Latvians.
ROMA KYRKA (2)
(2) The name "Roma" means "open, exposed place." ROMA is located in the centre of Gotland, practically at its very heart. The church here was built in 1215–1255. It is the most substantial, largest (floor area 400 m²) and most magnificent Romanesque-style church on Gotland. Also to be seen here is the rose window characteristic of the Middle Ages, which has a close connection to the symbol of Christ.
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GRÖTLINGBO (3)
(3) GRÖTLINGBO is located in southern Gotland. Founded in the 12th century. The pulpit of Visby Cathedral, which is the oldest on Gotland, was originally located in GRÖTLINGBO church itself. The altar painting dates to 1669. The cross positioned above the central aisle has been in the church since the 18th century.
An interesting fact - the churches are open to visitors all day. In them there is not a single attendant concerned with people's honesty. Books and postcards can be taken in exchange for donations of a few SEK, dropped into an open box or a simple woven vessel. In every church there is a visitors' book available, where any traveller or church visitor can leave their entry. Written there now is also: "May your hearts be like copper gates - so durable and always open, and may these gates never remain empty for long! Inga & Ēriks from Riga, LATVIA, 15.08.2003."
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