Risinge: Church Art and Local History

Risinge can be explored through its church art, local history, and local history museum. At the old Sankta Maria kyrka, also called Risinge gamla kyrka, you will find a foundation dating to the second half of the 12th century and vault paintings from the 14th century. Other points of interest include the work of Pehr Hörberg, the cemetery settings, and the Hembygdsgård. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these connections: they lead to different themes and periods.

Church Art in Risinge gamla kyrka

Risinge gamla kyrka, also called Sankta Maria kyrka, was founded in the second half of the 12th century. Its 14th-century vault paintings were created by the so-called Risingemästaren; the old frescoes were never painted over. The church thus brings together an early history of its foundation and later pictorial art. The two dates relate to different periods in the history of the building and its art, and can be clearly distinguished when learning about the area. For travelers interested in historic church art, the paintings form a distinct focus alongside the church’s foundation history.

Risinge kyrka and Pehr Hörberg

Another architectural history connection leads to Risinge kyrka: the church was designed by Johan Adolf Hawerman and built by Abraham Nyström. Pehr Hörberg painted an altarpiece for Risinge kyrka in 1809. Hörberg lived in Olstorp in the municipality of Risinge; a memorial stone to him stands beside Sankta Maria kyrka. Hörberg’s name is therefore associated with three specific things: his home, the altarpiece, and the memorial stone. The altarpiece and memorial stone serve different purposes: one is a work by Hörberg, while the other commemorates him. The altarpiece can also be set chronologically alongside the medieval vault paintings: it was created in 1809, while the paintings in Risinge gamla kyrka date from the 14th century. This brings the difference between two artistic periods into focus.

Cemetery Settings and the Lakeshore

There are two distinct points of interest among the cemeteries as well. S:ta Maria cemetery is in a medieval setting and is enclosed by a well-preserved churchyard wall. By contrast, at Risinge nya kyrkogård, the church grounds extend eastward to the lakeshore. It is part of area E43 in Risinge, which is of national interest for heritage conservation. This gives visitors a clear distinction when finding their way around: at S:ta Maria, the focus is on the medieval setting and churchyard wall; at Risinge nya kyrkogård, it is on the eastern lakeshore and the site’s heritage conservation designation within E43.

Hembygdsgård and Exhibition

Risinge Hembygdsgård is next to S:ta Maria kyrka and consists of a local history museum and a café. The permanent exhibition at Risinge Hembygdsmuseum includes objects dating from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The exhibition offers a different focus from the churches: while the churches highlight individual buildings and paintings, the museum spans many centuries. Guided tours at the Hembygdsgård are usually available during Östgötadagarna. Before visiting, check the current presentation of the permanent exhibition, café availability, and the dates of Östgötadagarna.

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