Edsleskog old church, Medieval church ruin in Edsleskogs socken, Sweden
Edsleskog old church is a 13th-century church ruin built as a three-nave basilica with a transept and measuring about 40 meters long. The structure was made from brick, making it a notable construction for its time.
The church was built in the 13th century and developed into a major pilgrimage destination within the Diocese of Skara. A fire in 1568 destroyed most of its medieval structure, leaving it in ruins.
The church was an important pilgrimage site where visitors paid a special tax called Nicolauspenningen, connected to the nearby Nicolaus spring. This tradition shows how religious places shaped daily life in the region.
The ruins are located at the former graveyard, where a memorial stone marks the original site. Visitors can see the foundation of the old building and explore its remote location in the landscape.
Unlike other churches in the Dalsland region that were built from wood, this church used brick construction. This unusual choice made it a rare architectural feature in areas near Vänern.
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