Husaby kyrka (church) is a very important place. The church you see here was built in the 12th Century, but I’ve read that the tower was built upon an earlier, wooden base, dating from about the year 1000. This detail is significant, because Sweden’s first Christian king, Olof Skötkonung, is said to have been baptized at St. Sigfrid’s well, a short walk from this spot, in 1008. Therefore, it can be argued that Sweden converted from paganism to Christianity right here. I can’t swear this story is entirely accurate (I wasn’t there), but it’s a cool account of a profound cultural shift.

Traditional pagan/Viking customs lingered in the rest of the country for generations after Olof’s conversion, but Christianity grew quickly in Västergötland. Within a couple hundred years, this region had some 500 churches, many of which still stand. In fact, it seems every small village in this area has its own ancient church (like those included in this gallery). Most are open to the public.