Brahe Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brahe Church |
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Brakekyrkan
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Brahe Church in July 2006
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| Location | Visingsö |
| Country | Sweden |
| Denomination | Church of Sweden |
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| Parish | Visingsö |
| Diocese | Växjö |
Brahe Church, known as Brakekyrkan in Swedish, is a beautiful old church building on the island of Visingsö. This island is located in the large lake Vättern in Sweden. The church belongs to the Visingsö Parish of the Church of Sweden. It first opened its doors in 1636 and was originally called Wisingsborg Castle Church.
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A Church with a Long History
Brahe Church was built a long time ago, in the early 1600s. It was meant to be a special royal church. Interestingly, another church, called Ströja Church, already stood on this very spot. Ströja Church was much older, built way back in the 1100s! It was the royal church of its time.
Count Magnus Brahe decided to build a brand new church right on top of the old Ströja Church's foundations. He kept only one part of the older church: a beautifully decorated door. This door was probably the main entrance to Ströja Church originally.
Sadly, Magnus Brahe did not live to see the church finished. His nephew, Per Brahe the Younger, inherited the building project. Per Brahe the Younger was the one who officially opened and dedicated the new church in 1636.
What Brahe Church Looks Like
The church is a large and open building, designed in the Renaissance style. It is made from strong materials like clay slate, sandstone, and limestone. The roof is covered with shiny copper. This copper was a gift from Christina Brahe, who was Per Brahe the Younger's sister.
Today, Brahe Church is more than just a place of worship. It also works as a museum and an art gallery. You can see many interesting old items inside. Visiting the church helps you imagine the amazing wealth and beauty that once belonged to Visingsborg, which was Sweden's largest countship.
Recent Discoveries at the Church
In 2024, during a church construction project, something very exciting was found. Workers discovered two graves that date back to the late 1100s. One of these graves held about 170 silver coins, called bracteates, scattered around the body. Experts are still studying these amazing finds to learn more about the past.
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