The church by the coast
As Church is located by the small settlement of Kirkholm on a slope overlooking the Kattegat, with a breathtaking view of the bay at As Vig. If you have been to the beach or stayed in a summer house in the area, you have surely seen the church, which towers behind the beach.
The church was built in the latter half of the 13th century and is therefore not among the youngest of the many Danish stone churches built in the 11th and 12th centuries. However, it was quite rare at this time to build churches so close to the coast. The region’s other churches are built further inland. During this period, Denmark was ravaged by pirates who plundered the country’s coasts, making it risky to place churches, with their wealth, by the sea. Other coastal churches in the region are located on the islands of the East Jutland Archipelago and are typically from the 14th and 15th centuries.
As Church (originally Assens Church) was owned by the Crown until 1687, when it was sold to the local estate, Palsgaard. It was then owned by the estate for quite a long time—up until 1923, when it became privately owned.
About the church
As Church consists of a nave and choir from the latter half of the 13th century. Like many other Danish churches, the porch and tower were added in the late Middle Ages between 1475 and 1525. The tower is relatively narrow, a so-called “stilting tower,” which is mainly seen in East Jutland. The church appears beautiful and whitewashed, with a roof of red tiles. It blends beautifully into the landscape and the sea behind it.
Previously, there was a chapel where the owners of Palsgaard were buried, but this was demolished around 1800.
The church’s furnishings have changed several times over the years, and there is limited inventory from the church’s early periods. Some of the church's former furnishings can be seen at Glud Museum and Horsens Museum. Worth mentioning is the Romanesque baptismal font made of granite, which is probably older than the church. It is not known whether the font has always been in the church.
Inside the church, you can see restored frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages. The paintings are quite typical for their time and decorative by nature. There are also painted animal heads, including deer, sheep, rams, and various mythical creatures. The illustrations are from Aesop’s fable about the fox and the stork’s dinner.
Other furnishings include a bell from 1510, Gothic altar candlesticks, and a crucifix from the 17th century.
Would you like to visit the church?
As Church is open when staff are present. The church may be open from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. However, there are no guarantees that the church will be open when you arrive. Staff are usually present at the church most of the time during this period. You are welcome to take a look inside if it is open.
When you visit As Church, you should consider taking a walk down to the beach. Kirkholm Beach and As Vig Beach are both lovely sandy beaches that are well suited for swimming. You can also experience both the church and the beach on a hike along the popular coastal trail, Kyststien Snaptun-Juelsminde.
More historical attractions
Kystlandet offers many exciting historical attractions, from antiquity to industrial history. From museums to buildings and attractions in nature. On this page, you can find inspiration for historically interesting experiences near Horsens, Odder, and Juelsminde.
