This tour takes you though medieval Skaraborg, where you will get an insight into what society looked like in the Middle Ages. In some places, you can use Augmented Reality to see 3D models of archaeological objects. You need to be at the location to be able to see these.
First, listen to the story and then click on the AR symbol in the image above.
This will bring up the image of the Husaby bishop's chair. Only a very few so-called bishop's chairs from the early Middle Ages are preserved in Sweden. They are among our oldest preserved furniture in the country. Placed as a high seat in the choir, they were used by bishops and other important individuals when visiting churches. The chair in Husaby is in Romanesque style and was likely made in the 12th century. Traces of paint show that it was once painted. The original can be seen at the Västergötland Museum in Skara.
The story in text:
It was in Husaby around the year 1000 that King Olof Skötkonung became the first Swedish king to have himself baptised. After the baptism he then donated his nearby Royal demesne to a new diocese – the first in Sweden. It was not until later he moved the diocese to Skara. From this place, Christianity spread over what was then the kingdom.
The church tower of Husaby church is ancient, probably built as early as the 11th century – before the stone church itself. Note the round, roughly hewn sandstone of the side tower and the small window openings. The tower was probably originally a defence installation to which the local population could flee in times of unrest. At the time, a wooden stave church stood next to the tower.
Outside the church entrance there are two unique grave cists with gable slabs. Legend says that King Olof Skötkonung is buried in one of these tombs. In reality, we know nothing about the skeletons that lie under the stone cists. But it is certainly an intriguing thought that Olof Skötkonung is lying at the site of his baptism!
Also inside the church there are several remarkable details. For example, Husaby still has the ancient choir-screen, which is highly unusual. In the chancel you will find a picture of the bishop who baptised Olof Skötkonung, St Sigfrid. He is depicted carrying three severed heads. Why is that?
You can find out this and much more in the church. The actual spring where it is thought King Olof Skötkonung was baptised lies at the other end of the car park.