Alsike Church (Swedish:Alsike kyrka) is anEvangelical Lutheran church atAlsike inUppsala County,Sweden. It lies inKnivsta Municipality, a suburb toStockholm. The church is associated with theArchdiocese of Uppsala of theChurch of Sweden.
The Sisters of the Holy Spirit at Alsike Convent is attached to Alsike Church.
Alsike Church stands by a formerly important sea-route linkingUppsala,Sigtuna andStockholm, in an area characterised by its oldcultural landscape.[1] Although the oldest parts of the presently visible church date from the 13th century, it was probably pre-dated by an earlierwooden church.[2] The church is constructed largely inbrick, a material not usually used in medieval churches in Uppland (fieldstone was often the material of choice). The use of brick may be explained by the vicinity to the more costly churches inSigtuna orSko Abbey nearSkokloster Castle (Skoklosters slott). The main part of the church was probably built circa 1250-1350. The tower and thechurch porch date from the 15th century, and during the same century the church was also equipped withmural-decoratedvaults; due to later damage these have been rebuilt and only fragments of the murals still remain.[1][3]
The church was rebuilt during the mid-19th century. Twotransepts were added, and the exterior whitewashed. Inside the church was equipped with a newpulpit and newpews. In 1910-11, the church was redecorated internally with paintings inArt Nouveau style by architectSigurd Curman (1879-1966).[1] During repairs in 1947 arunestone was discovered in the church; it is displayed at the church entrance.[2][4]
The church is characterised by a mix ofmedieval andneoclassical styles as a result of the reconstruction during the 19th century. Among the furnishings, aVenetian crucifix fromc. 1600 and a figure of Christ from the 15th century are noteworthy.[2]
Media related toAlsike kyrka at Wikimedia Commons59°43′58″N17°41′02″E / 59.73278°N 17.68389°E /59.73278; 17.68389