HABO CHURCH, Jonkoping Sweden

This church is called “the Wooden Cathedral”, unique in the world. The first church was built in the 12^th century, again in 1680 and the present church in 1723. The church is unique in its architecture, resembling a cathedral although it is built entirely of wood with rough plank walls. Remarkedly, the entire inside was painted by two locals between 1741-43 – each painted one side and in slightly different styles.

The paintings show Luther’s 10 catechisms, a summary of his interpretation of the Christian faith and known to all Lutherans at that time.

It is in the form of a basilica, with a high nave and two lower side aisles. It is magnificent: the side walls have faux stone blocks, the columns and pews faux marble and Luther’s 10 catechisms cover everything else: the 10 commandments and Lord’s Prayer on the side walls and the creed and baptism on the ceiling. The 14th-century altar, 1723 pulpit and organ are all carved wood.

The 1250 sandstone font is the oldest object in the church. A Rembrandt bible is in a back room.
Men and women sat on opposite sides of the church and the gentry were in special boxes at the front. In the 18^th century, there were 2000 in the parish and now there are 600 seats in the church.
Equally outstanding is the separate 1760 bell tower. The outside is red with white trim and a black roof.
Don’t miss this one. Seeing this church inspired me to write a post “Best Christian Churches in the World”. Habo Church is one of four churches whose pictures were reproduced by the Swedish Post Office in 2002 for a series of Christmas stamps under the rubric Romantic Churches at Christmastime.