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.
When Birger Jarl's grave was rediscovered and opened for the first time in 1920, a ring made of silver-gilded gold was found among the skeletal remains. The size clearly indicates that it belonged to one of the men in the grave. (The ring in the image is a replica that has been made and is available for purchase at the Västergötland Museum in Skara).
The story in text:
You are now standing in front of what was once Sweden's biggest monastery, Varnhem Monastery.
A high-born woman named Sigrid donated her estate to the Cistercian Order, which began to build the monastery in the mid-12th century.
Ruins are all that remain of the monastery today, but the abbey itself has been preserved, and inside lie several Swedish mediaeval kings of the House of Erik, as well as Stockholm's founder, Birger Jarl, who lies buried right at the entrance. Having oneself buried in the abbey ensured eternal intercessions and requiems by the monks – and thereby the salvation of one's soul.
Birger Jarl is also portrayed inside the church. Up on a pillar beyond the pulpit on the left there is a stone portrait of the nobleman, a stone head which is presumed to have been hewn during the lifetime of Birger Jarl. It is also Sweden's first known portrayal of a historical personage. When the grave was opened in 2002 and Birger’s skull was examined, it became apparent that the relief is in all probability a portrait.
In the 16th century, disaster hit the monastery when King Gustav Vasa closed down the monasteries and confiscated their estates in the name of the Crown. In 1566 the monastery buildings were burnt by the Danes during the Northern Seven Years’ War.
The church, however, seems to have escaped this and in 1647 it was part of the wedding gift Queen Kristina gave to Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie and his wife Maria Eufrosyne. The count visited the site around 1650 and began major renovation of the church. The high tower was added. Magnus Gabriel and his wife Maria Eufrosyne lie buried inside.