GAMLA KYRKAN



CHURCH INTERIOR
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The Old Church
During the Middle Ages, the Hven islanders were blessed with abundant herring like many other places along the Sound. It was probably some Dutchmen who came to the island, who founded the Old Church above the harbour. They probably built it at the end of the 1100s on the site of an even older chapel. According to legend and old maps, the church was crowned by a tower until 1675 (see picture below left) when the Russians ravaged the island and tore down the tower and stole the church bell

There is a fantastic view over the harbour and Sound from the World War2 fort just beyond the church walls. Incidentally, forts stand at regular intervals round the island and today they make excellent platforms for sunbathing, grilling and fishing. These days, their military value is insignificant. In fact, the state is apparently willing to sell them off cheaply.
Anyone for a little cosy hardened summerhouse on Hven maybe?

Updated 2000-03-22 Copyright Johan Runeberg