Skanör Church (Diocese of Lund, Church of Sweden / Skåne, Sweden)
Skanör on the north side of the Falsterbo peninsula in south-west Skåne was an important trading center back in medieval times.
There was probably a church there already in the 12th century. The present church dates back to the first half of the 13th century. It was originally built in Romanesque style, which can still be seen in the vaulted ceiling of the nave. But like every other old church it has gone through a number of changes and additions over the centuries. The choir for example has windows in Gothic style; and the main altar is a Renaissance altar, probably made in Malmö.
This is a votive ship that caught my eye. I have had some of those before on my blog, I think. They are very common in Swedish churches, especially in the coastal areas. They were often given as thanks from sailors for having been saved from drowning at sea.
Skanör is "C" on this map
(from the 4th day of our trip back in July)
(from the 4th day of our trip back in July)
Skanör today has a popular marina and beach area, attracting a lot of tourists in the summer. Looking north, far off in the distance you can also see the Öresund bridge between Malmö and Copenhagen, and an offshore wind farm near that bridge.
Inspired Sunday #335
I have not seen a ship in a church before... I can see all the different influnces and it makes for a beautiful church, both inside and outside... the blue water and blue sky is gorgeous and the bridge at the end with the double wires in the middle, could be a picture of our skyway here in FL...
ReplyDeleteSandra, we were lucky to be there in very nice weather too! :)
Delete...a beautiful church in a beautiful atrea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church and wonderful sea landscapes.
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture. Thank you so much that I could see them.
Have a nice week.
Lucja
Beautiful area and the church is beautiful. Read your profile at the top and see the blog is named after C.S. Lewis book, you might be interested in reading this blog of mine. https://thechurchexporer.blogspot.com/2015/01/holy-trinity-headington.html
ReplyDeleteBilly - Very interesting; thanks for the link!
DeleteThe sanctuary and ceiling are gorgeous! And the ship is so intricate! What a lovely idea to put the ships in the churches as thanks from the sailors.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit. Thanks for your wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteYes, you have showed a votive ship on your blog before. I have seen them for myself in churches on Bornholm and also in Northern Germany, where many sea-faring folk used to live.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful church, and you have brought it out very well in your post.
Thanks Meike, and yes, it makes sense that the votive ships are mainly found in churches in areas where a lot of sea-faring people lived.
DeleteA fabulous pulpit and the votive ship is amazing. You don't see them so often in English maritime churches but there's a highly memorable one in N. France - I think it's at Honfleur or nearby.
ReplyDeleteJenny from what I've read I get the impression that votive ships are especially common in the Nordic countries. Myself I haven't visited enough churches abroad to be able to compare... But the last few summers on road trips in southern Sweden with my brother, we have stopped at a lot of old churches (and gone in to have a look if they've been open). So I'm adding to my experience when it comes to comparing various styles and details here in Sweden :) Looking things up and blogging about them afterwards is helpful to refresh one's memory too!
DeleteI had a very distinct sense of déjà vu when reading this post and looking at the photos. I've seen (and as a result possibly also blogged about) votive ships.
ReplyDelete