Västerhejde Church | |
Native Name: | Västerhejde kyrka |
Native Name Lang: | Swedish |
Pushpin Map: | Sweden Gotland |
Pushpin Mapsize: | 150px |
Coordinates: | 57.5806°N 18.2481°W |
Country: | Sweden |
Denomination: | Church of Sweden |
Diocese: | Visby |
Västerhejde Church (Swedish: Västerhejde kyrka) is a medieval church in Västerhejde on the island of Gotland, Sweden. Dating from the 13th century, it was somewhat altered during the 19th century. It belongs to the Diocese of Visby.
The church was built in Romanesque style during the 13th century, but underwent some changes during the 19th century. The southern portal was then removed, and the spire of the tower changed from its original, pointed design to its presently visible crow-stepped design, traditionally not found on churches of Gotland. The altarpiece, pulpit and pews date from the 17th century. An oil painting by Fredric Westin that hangs in the church is a gift from Princess Eugenie of Sweden and Norway, who spent several summers in the countryside near the church.[1]