Varberg Church

Varberg Church, known locally as Varbergs kyrka, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance in the charming town of Varberg, Sweden. As the largest and oldest church in Varberg, it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich past of this coastal town, coupled with the serenity and beauty of its Gustavian-style architecture.

The History of Varberg Church

Varberg Church was constructed between 1769 and 1772, replacing the old Caroli Church, which was tragically destroyed in a city fire on May 18, 1767. The renowned architect Friedrich August Rex designed the new church. This stone-built structure has withstood the test of time, serving as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Varberg community.

The church's history is intertwined with the town's own turbulent past. The original Caroli Church, dating back to the 1600s, was an integral part of the community until its destruction. The current Varberg Church, with its single nave and rectangular nave with a five-sided chancel to the east, carries forward the legacy of its predecessor while showcasing the architectural advancements of the late 18th century.

Architectural Highlights

The exterior of Varberg Church is a sight to behold. Its white, stuccoed facades are punctuated by round-arched openings, giving it a distinctive and elegant appearance. The western tower, adorned with plastered buttresses and a clock, is crowned by an open lantern, adding to the church's grandeur. The original clock, with dials facing all four directions, was replaced in 1972.

The church's roof, initially covered with tiles, underwent several changes over the years. In 1890-1891, the tiles were replaced with zinc plates, which were later substituted with copper plates in 1978. This evolution in roofing materials reflects the church's continuous adaptation to modern times while preserving its historical essence.

Inside, the church underwent significant renovations in 1931-1932 and 1965-1966, resulting in a simplified yet elegant interior. The most recent transformation in 1998-2000, led by Jerk Alton, further enhanced the church's aesthetic appeal, making it a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary elements.

Exploring the Church Interior

Stepping inside Varberg Church, visitors are greeted by a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The church's interior, although simplified over the years, retains its historical charm. The altar, dating back to 1816, features columns flanking a gilded wooden crucifix from 1932. An older altarpiece from 1716, painted on canvas, hangs on the back of the altar, adding a touch of antiquity to the space.

The pulpit, crafted from gray-painted wood with white and gold decorations, was designed by Fredrik Ekberg during the 1890-1891 renovation. The small gallery also received its current form during this period. The baptismal font, with its seven-sided cup and base adorned with ornaments and angel heads, was carved from gilded oak by Sven Snickare in 1619. Remarkably, it survived the devastating city fire of 1666, making it one of the church's most cherished artifacts.

Other notable items include a copper baptismal basin from the 1600s, a gilded silver communion chalice from the 1520s, and several brass candlesticks from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The church also houses four stained-glass windows in the chancel, created by Danish artist Johan Thomas Skovgaard in 1960. These windows depict various events from the life of Jesus, replacing earlier windows by Reinhold Callmander that featured the four evangelists and their symbols.

The Church Bells and Organs

Varberg Church's bells have a storied history. The large bell, recast in 1902, has a diameter of 140 cm and weighs 1750 kg. It was initially cast in 1765 by Andreas Wetterholtz in Malmö but melted during the 1767 fire. It was recast by Abraham Wetterholtz, Andreas's son, and later by Jonas Wetterholtz in 1772. The small bell, recast in 1905, has a diameter of 110 cm and weighs 950 kg. It was originally cast in 1786 by Jonas Wetterholtz.

The church's organs have also evolved over the years. The first organ, a positive organ, was replaced in 1735 by an organ built by Johan Niclas Cahman, which was destroyed in the 1767 fire. Subsequent organs were built in 1792, 1850, and 1924. The current organ, installed in 1966, was manufactured by Hammarbergs Orgelbyggeri AB and retains the facade from the 1792 organ along with parts of the pipework from earlier instruments. A choir organ, built in 2012 by Tostareds Kyrkorgelfabrik, stands near the chancel.

The Churchyard

Originally, a churchyard surrounded Varberg Church, just as it did around the old Caroli Church. This churchyard encompassed the current church square and the part of the square between the church and Torggatan. A mortuary was also part of the churchyard. Many graves were destroyed when the square was expanded towards the church in 1824, and after the Eastern Cemetery was inaugurated in 1852, the remaining graves on the church square were removed.

In conclusion, Varberg Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a living museum of Varberg's history and culture. Its walls echo tales of resilience, faith, and community, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque Swedish town.