Eskilstrup Church
Eskilstrup Church | |
---|---|
Eskilstrup Kirke | |
Years built | ca. 1130 |
Administration | |
Diocese | Diocese of Lolland–Falster |
Deanery | Falster Provsti |
Parish | Eskilstrup Sogn |
Eskilstrup Church (Danish: Eskilstrup Kirke) is a church in Eskilstrup, Denmark. The church dates from the 12th century and was built in the Romanesque style. In accordance with a local tradition, it is painted red. It is best known for its frescos, said to be Denmark's oldest.[1]
History
At the beginning of the 16th century, the church was owned by the bishopric under the administration of its seat at Sørup on Lolland. In 1694, it was annexed to Ønslev Church, 3 km to the west. After the Reformation it came under the Crown until 1767 when it was sold into private ownership. It was, however, soon reacquired by the State until 1852 when it was sold to the farmers of the parish. It gained full independence in 1933.[2]
Architecture
The church consists of a Late Romanesque apse, chancel and nave and a Gothic tower and porch, all built of brick. Pilaster strips decorate the corners of the nave and chancel. The apse and chancel have a rounded foundation base. There is a three-sided wall at the east end of the apse while there are round-arched windows in the side walls. The toothed cornice is decorated a saw-toothed trimming which runs along pilasters to the chancel gable. The nave walls are similarly decorated with cornices and pilasters. The chancel windows resemble those of the apse but they have been extended downwards.[1]
Interior and fittings
The apse's original vaulting develops from a polygonal base to a quarter dome terminating in the rounded apse arch. During the Gothic period, the chancel ceiling was
The
Frescos
In 1893, frescos were discovered in the apse and chancel, dating to the second half of the 13th century. The chancel fresco, restored by E. Lind in 1942, includes scenes from Christ's childhood including the Flight to Egypt depicting Joseph, Mary and the ass. They are said to be among the oldest in the region.[1][3]
References
- ^ a b c d e Jens Kinkel, "Eskilstrup Kirke", Danmarks Kirker. (in Danish) Retrieved 20 December 2012.
- ^ , Kirsten Weber-Andersen, Otto Norn, Aage Roussell, Gertrud Købke Knudsen, "Eskilstrup Kirke", Danmarks kirker: Maribo amt, Volume 8, 1951, Nationalmuseet, pages 1297–1308. (in Danish) Retrieved 20 December 2012.
- ^ "Eskilstrup Sogn", Folkekirken i Lolland-Falsters Stift. (in Danish) Retrieved 20 December 2012.
External links
- Eskilstrup Kirke with many illustrations.
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