Ala Church

Ala Church
Ala kyrka
Ala Church, external view
Ala Church Location on Gotland
57°25′08″N 18°38′07″E / 57.4190°N 18.6352°E / 57.4190; 18.6352Coordinates: 57°25′08″N 18°38′07″E / 57.4190°N 18.6352°E / 57.4190; 18.6352
Country	Sweden
Denomination	Church of Sweden
Administration
Diocese	Visby

Ala Church (Swedish: Ala kyrka) is a medieval Lutheran church in Ala on the Swedish island of Gotland, in the Diocese of Visby.

The oldest part of the aisleless church is the nave, erected during the 12th century. The choir was added during the middle of the 13th century, and replaced an earlier considerably smaller choir and apse. The presently visible church lacks an apse, typically for churches on Gotland, and instead has a straight eastern wall. The tower is slightly older than the choir. The southern portals of the church exhibit some unusual stone sculptures.

Inside, the church is decorated with medieval frescos, consisting of two sets made separately at different times. The oldest date from the late 13th century and depict legendary animals and ornaments. The more recent date from the 15th century and depict a scene from the legend of Saint Martin, a large painting depicting the Passion of Christ made by the artist known as the Master of the Passion of Christ, and other religious themes.

The church was ravaged by fire in 1938, and most of the furnishings, including a 13th-century triumphal cross, were destroyed. The medieval baptismal font, made of durable local limestone, was among the few items that survived. In 1938–1940, restoration work was carried out, and the church got a new organ in 1955.

Ala Church after the fire in 1938

Interior view towards the choir