Bellinge Church - fresco paintings

Bellinge Church, a late Gothic parish church near Odense, has a nave with a narrower choir dating from around 1300. The interior is especially noted for its unusually clear and distinctive fresco paintings, created roughly 500 years ago. For almost three centuries after the Reformation the murals were hidden under whitewash, in a period when churchgoers were not allowed to view them. They were revealed again in 1886 and have since undergone several restorations, most recently in 1990, which helps visitors appreciate their detail today.

Visit Bellinge Church to see some of Denmark’s more unusual and clearly preserved late Gothic frescoes in a simple village setting. The story of how the paintings were whitewashed for centuries after the Reformation, then uncovered and restored in modern times, gives a direct sense of changing attitudes to church art.

A worthwhile detour for anyone interested in medieval church art and well-preserved fresco painting.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

30–60 minutes.

Best time to visit

Daytime, when there is natural light to appreciate the frescoes and, where possible, when the church is open outside of services.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Shelter site in Trunderup forest

  Park · 3.8 km

• Solevadgaard Watermill

  Park · 4.1 km

• Dalum Church - medieval church

  Church · 5.2 km

• The Funen Village - Open Air Museum

  Museum · 5.8 km

• Fruens Bøge Skov (Woodland)

  Park · 5.8 km

• The Forest Lake, Fruens Bøge

  Park · 5.9 km

Frequently asked

What is special about the frescoes in Bellinge Church?

The frescoes in Bellinge Church are known for being unusually clear and distinctive for their age. They were painted about 500 years ago, then covered with whitewash for almost 300 years after the Reformation, when images like these were not shown to churchgoers. Uncovered in 1886 and restored several times since, they now offer a rare view of late Gothic church art.

How old is Bellinge Church and its fresco paintings?

Bellinge Church itself is a late Gothic building, with a nave and narrower choir dating from around 1300. The interior frescoes are younger, painted roughly 500 years ago. Their survival in such clear condition is partly due to the centuries they spent hidden beneath whitewash before being revealed again in the late 19th century.

Why were the frescoes in Bellinge Church whitewashed, and when were they revealed?

After the Reformation, it became common for figurative church paintings to be covered, and in Bellinge Church the frescoes were whitewashed so churchgoers could no longer see them. They remained hidden for almost 300 years. In 1886 the paintings were uncovered, and since then they have been restored several times to stabilise and reveal their details.

Have the frescoes in Bellinge Church been restored?

Yes. After being uncovered in 1886, the frescoes have undergone restoration on several occasions to preserve and clarify the imagery. The most recent restoration took place in 1990. This careful conservation work allows visitors today to see the paintings in a condition that highlights their age, style and unusual clarity.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Bellinge Church?

Most visitors can see the exterior of the late Gothic church and spend time studying the interior frescoes within about 30 to 60 minutes. If you like to look closely at details or take photographs where permitted, allow nearer an hour before continuing your drive towards Odense or other nearby stops on your route.

WhatsApp rescue

Never lose the route

Text your location on WhatsApp from anywhere and we'll guide you back onto the Margueritruten.