Varnhem Abbey Church, Cistercian monastery church in Varnhem, Sweden
Varnhem Abbey Church is a Cistercian monastery church in Sweden that blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Large stone arches span its interior, and intricate medieval stone carvings decorate the walls and columns throughout.
The monastery was founded in 1150 by Cistercian monks and quickly became a major religious center. After a fire destroyed much of it in 1234, it was rebuilt and eventually grew into one of Sweden's largest church complexes.
The church served for centuries as a burial place for Swedish royalty and nobility, drawing pilgrims from across the kingdom. You can see today the simple tomb chambers where these important figures were laid to rest.
The site opens daily from March through September and offers guided tours in several languages. You can explore the main church building, wander through the monastery ruins, visit the museum, and stroll the herb garden.
Archaeological digs uncovered a Christian cemetery dating to the 9th century on the grounds. This discovery suggests the site once held one of Sweden's oldest stone churches outside the southern region of Scania.
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