Sweden - Västervik, S:ta Gertruds Kyrka

S:ta Gertruds Kyrka (St. Gertrud’s Church) was built in the 1450’s after King Eric of Pomerania had ordered to move the town of Västervik from Gamleby to its current location. The city was destroyed in a battle in 1517 and inhabitants moved back to the old city. After King Gustav Vasa ordered them to move back, St. Gertrud’s Church was restored as a Lutheran church. It was once again destroyed in 1612 during the battle against Denmark. The church was renovated and enlarged until 1739.

Religious services were held in the church for nearly 500 years, until the last morning service was held there one Sunday in 1905. In the same year Västervik became a new church and St. Gertrud’s Church was used for grain storage during the First World War.
The church was re-established as a place of worship and in June 1933 St. Gertrud’s Church was re-inaugurated.

S:ta Gertruds Kyrka has many valuable items of furniture include like a pulpit and organ from 1743, which is considered to be one of Sweden’s most valuable, an altarpiece from the late 1600’s.

I was really impressed by some beautifully painted ceilings (main picture).