Svaneke Church stands elevated above Svaneke and forms a distinctive element of the town’s skyline. The present building is characterised by its reddish lime-washed façade, which dates from the major reconstruction in 1881.
The church is first mentioned as a chapel in 1569, but a church building likely existed on the site already in the 14th century. The tower dates from the 16th century and was fitted with its present spire in 1789. At the top is a weather vane shaped like a swan – a reference to the town’s name and coat of arms.
In 1881, the church underwent extensive reconstruction under the direction of architect Mathias Bidstrup. Most of the earlier church was demolished and rebuilt, while the tower and parts of the southern wall, containing remains of medieval masonry, were preserved. The interior seen today therefore largely dates from this reconstruction.
The church belongs to the Ibsker-Svaneke-Bodilsker Parish within the Diocese of Copenhagen and continues to serve as the parish church of the town.
