Have you noticed the sturdy walls surrounding us? Welcome to Nylars Rundkirke. This isn’t just a church. It is also a fortress. Nylars Rundkirke stands as a testament to Bornholm’s turbulent past.
Let’s step back to the mid-1100s. Imagine a time when pirates roamed the Baltic Sea. The people of Nylars needed a safe haven. Thus, Nylars Rundkirke was built. It served two crucial purposes. It was a place of worship. It was a refuge from invaders.
Nylars Rundkirke is named after Saint Nicholas. He is the patron saint of seafarers. Over time Nikolaus morphed into Nylars. This transformation reflects the local dialect. It also shows the church’s deep connection to the sea.
Notice the unique round shape. Nylars Rundkirke is one of Bornholm’s four round churches. These structures are architectural marvels. They combine religious function with military defense. The thick walls offered protection. The elevated design provided surveillance.
The church consists of three stories. Each level served a distinct purpose. The ground floor was for services. The middle floor was a refuge for women and children. The top floor was for defense.
Look closely at the walls. They are made of fieldstones and Silurian limestone. This construction made Nylars Rundkirke strong. It also helped it withstand the test of time.
Inside Nylars Rundkirke, the atmosphere is serene. Sunlight filters through the small windows. These windows are original. They reveal the church’s fortress-like design. The single original window measures only 52 cm by 27 cm.
In the church’s entrance hall you can see two runestones. One stone commemorates a man named Halvard. He drowned at sea with his crew. The other stone honors Bose. He died in battle in 1048.
The pulpit and pews date back to an 1882 restoration. The chandeliers are copies. They mimic those in Ruts Kirke. A gilded basoon angel from the 1700s hangs in the choir.
Don’t miss the Romanesque frescoes around the central pillar. Dating from 1275 to 1300, these paintings depict scenes from the Creation. They show Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The bell tower is separate from the church. It is a distinctive feature. Its timber-framed bell chamber rests on a stone base from the 1500s. One bell was cast in 1702. The other was recast in 1882.
In 1971 a glass painting was installed. It features an hourglass. It bears the inscription Ultima Latet. This means the last hour is hidden.
Nylars Rundkirke is more than a building. It is a symbol of faith and resilience. It represents the spirit of Bornholm’s people. As you leave take a moment to reflect on its history. Consider the lives it has sheltered. Think about the stories it holds within its ancient walls.