Benestad Church
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| Benestad Church | |
|---|---|
Benestads kyrka | |
 Benestad Church | |
  Benestad Church  Benestad Church | |
| 55°31′27″N 13°54′23″E / 55.52417°N 13.90639°E | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Denomination | Church of Sweden |
Benestad Church (Swedish: Benestads kyrka) is a medieval church in Benestad, Scania, Sweden. It belongs to the Church of Sweden. Next to the church stands a defensive tower erected in the 15th century. The church itself contains medieval murals from three different periods.
Benestad Church was built at the end of the 12th century, and originally only consisted of the present-day nave. The apse is an addition from the 13th century, and a tower was added in the 14th century. Inside, vaults were built in the 13th century in the chancel and in the nave during the 14th century. An external defensive tower (kastal) was built during the 15th century north east of the church itself. During the early 19th century, it was converted into a belfry. In 1859 a more far-reaching renovation of the church was carried out, and at that time the church tower was demolished and its base reconfigured as a new entrance. Further renovations were made in 1873, between 1903 and 1904 and between 1949 and 1954.[1][2]
