Gränna kyrka

Gränna’s first church was constructed in the 12th century but was destroyed in a fire in 1889. Following the fire, construction began on a new church, which was inaugurated in 1895 and still stands today.

Located in the center of Gränna, the church dominates the town’s profile. It is built on the remnants of the original stone church from the mid-12th century, with its foundations preserved beneath the current church floor.

Fire and reconstruction

The old church underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries. In 1673, Count Per Brahe the Younger financed the construction of a new stone tower. However, much of the church was destroyed in a fire in 1889. The fire started in a house across the street, and sparks ignited the church’s freshly tarred wooden roof. Despite significant rescue efforts, the church could not be saved.

A new church, designed in an elegant Baroque style, was built a few years later and inaugurated on September 15, 1895. Some remnants of the old walls were incorporated into the new structure. Inside, the architecture is simple yet striking, with large white surfaces and ample natural light streaming through the tall windows. The three chancel windows depict scenes from Jesus’ final days: the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Interior

Many of the church’s furnishings survived the 1889 fire, including the medieval baptismal font, altar painting, sacrament cabinet, church silver, and chandeliers. During the clearing of the fire’s remnants, a sandstone apse window, likely from the medieval church, was discovered. This window now adorns one of the church’s walls.

Summer Church

Gränna Church is typically open to visitors from late June to early August, offering hosts/guides, tours, music, and simple coffee service.

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