Månsarps ödekyrkogård

Surrounded by greenery lie the remains of a church and cemetery with origins in the Middle Ages. When a new church was built in 1853, the old 18th-century church was demolished, and Månsarps ödekyrkogård was left behind.

The earliest known church in Månsarp was a medieval wooden church. It is confirmed that a church existed in Månsarp in 1530, but the very first one may have been built as early as 1060.

In 1714, a new wooden church was constructed. It was clad in wooden shingles and painted red. The roof was tiled, and the interior was decorated with paintings by Johan Kinnerus in the 1740s.

In 1846, the parish assembly decided to build a new church, as the old one was too small and in poor condition. The new church was completed in 1853, and the 18th-century church was torn down.

The cemetery and the cemetery wall from 1797 remained on the site of the old church, forming what is now Månsarps ödekyrkogård.

The intention was to preserve the graves and continue to maintain them. The land was declared communal property for the village of Månsarp, which it still is today.

Over time, Månsarps ödekyrkogård was used as pasture and hayfield until the 1930s.

In 1953, a cross was erected in the cemetery in memory of the churches that once stood there.

Today, a cast iron cross and a flat gravestone remain at Månsarps ödekyrkogård.

Many of the gravestones were reused as bridge foundations at the Taberg River, and the cast iron crosses were melted down and repurposed at the Huluhammar ironworks.

Månsarps ödekyrkogård is a peaceful place, perfect for reflection.

How to get here