Leaving Kalix we visited Gammelstad.
In the mid 16th century, church attendance was mandatory in Sweden. Why? Having converted from Catholic to Protestant, it was a requirement to actually have some knowledge of Christianity and Luther's Catechism. This parish was so large (bigger than Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) that people had to travel long distances to get to church so cottages were built to provide accommodation. it went on from there to be more organised and become part of both church and social life.
In the mid 16th century, church attendance was mandatory in Sweden. Why? Having converted from Catholic to Protestant, it was a requirement to actually have some knowledge of Christianity and Luther's Catechism. This parish was so large (bigger than Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) that people had to travel long distances to get to church so cottages were built to provide accommodation. it went on from there to be more organised and become part of both church and social life.
