The church is Sweden’s oldest wooden church and was built in the 13th century. The interior is characterized by the rich painted decorations on the ceiling and walls from the 1750s, as well as by the Baroque furnishings and the abundance of medieval artifacts.
Most of the church’s paintings in the chancel and nave were painted by Johan Christian Zschotzscher, a church decorator living in Växjö, in 1753. His signature is clearly visible on the left wall of the chancel. The oldest clearly identifiable paintings, however, can be seen in the sacristy, where the walls feature four scenes from the Book of Genesis. They have been dated to the early 17th century. The model for these is Gustav II Adolf’s Bible from 1618.
The residents of Granhult have had to fight hard to preserve their church. Much has been written about their struggle against Bishop Esaias Tegnér, who wanted them to abandon their church and instead participate in the construction of the new church in Nottebäck in the 1830s.
Today, the Granhult Church Board is responsible for the care and maintenance of the church. Volunteer work, proceeds from the sale of postcards and brochures, and donations are needed to maintain this treasure.
