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.
Until 2001, here in Södra Råda stood one of Sweden's best preserved timber churches from the Middle Ages. But through an act of arson in November 2001, the church burned to the ground.
The church from the Middle Ages was unique – one of few well-preserved mediaeval timber churches in Sweden and a valuable part of our heritage, not least thanks to the mediaeval paintings that adorned its walls and ceiling. After the church burned down, the Swedish National Heritage Board took the decision to rebuild the church using mediaeval building techniques.
This reconstructed church was completed in 2022, closely resembling its mediaeval predecessor, with a trefoil vault recreated using traditional techniques.
The old church had hardly been changed since it was built in the 14th century. The painted depictions of biblical stories that covered the walls and ceiling in the church interior were almost intact. The chancel paintings, dated to the year 1323, were of the highest international class, as were the paintings in the nave, dated to the 15th century. It was only in Södra Råda there was a wooden church that had both retained its entire mediaeval artwork and its original trefoil vault.
Through three summers after the fire, archaeological excavations took place in the church and at the site. Finds included the remains of a stave church built in the 12th century.
Archaeologists also discovered the remains of interred adults placed in their graves with metal items such as mediaeval clasps, and coins dated to the period 1290-1318, suggesting that the graves were added during the completion of the timber church.