May 15, 2012: I feel on the door of the church. I have little hope that it is open. It is locked. I turn around to go to the bus stop to catch the bus to Hässleholm. Clashes almost to a man. "I will open the church for a wedding couples who want to see the church, you can have a look in it too." Very happy, yes. In my childhood, the family was here on early Christmas-morning service, since then I have only been inside once in my adult life. What is there to see in a country church like this? Finja church is known for its fine murals from the time when the church was built in the 1130's. They were long time hidden but was taken up again 1932.

As usual at church attendance I light a candle in the light carrier. In the floor are two gravestones of priests in the 17th century. The memorial on the north wall reminds us of one of these priests. The altar originates from abouut 1600, but the paintings are from the 18th century and shows, among other the Sacrament, the Crucifixion, the Ascension. The pulpit also with origin from about 1600, with paintings from the 18th century. The font of sandstone is almost of the same age as the church.

Now it was the frescos I should see. Behind the altar in the apse is Christ seated on a rainbow and the earth as a footstool. Murals otherwise mainly remain on the triumphal arch between the nave and chancel. In the southern part at the pulpit, they are heavily damaged. On the arch is visible church dignitaries around an angel-adorned locket. The northern side is depicted the Last Judgment. A man rises from his coffin. It is highly detailed and finely-made paintings. On the top of the Arc de Triomphe is visible Christ to give orders to trumpet blowing angels flanking him. All this I read from the booklet about Finja church that I bought at the entrance. You can also get a recorded guided tour. This I had on my previous visit.

Time flies, have to catch the bus to Hässleholm. Walk to the bus stop outside the church.

Map