Askeby kyrka

The Askeby Church was originally built as a parish church but also served as a church for the nuns of the Cistercian monastery. Established in the latter part of the 12th century, the monastery existed until 1530.

The building consists of two main parts: the western section functioned as the parish church for much of the monastery’s existence, while the long choir was exclusively constructed for the monastery’s needs.

As an altar adornment, there is a Pietà group dating back to the 15th century. Prior to 1823, the altar was adorned with a series of sculptures, gifted to Askeby in 1732 by Baron Johan Banér of Ekenäs. These sculptures are now displayed in niches within the choir.

One of Östergötland’s most beautiful Gothic crucifixes from the latter half of the 15th century hangs in the triumphal arch. The limestone baptismal font is likely from the latter half of the 13th century. The pulpit, crafted in 1763, was created by sculptor Nils Österbom in Norrköping.

Notable among the church’s communion silverware is the chalice, its stem and plate dating back to the early 1400s. The chalice was donated by the knight Tord Röriksson Bonde in honor of Saint Birgitta. The church underwent restoration in 1951, including the addition of stained glass in the choir window, designed by artist Einar Forseth.