What is a Norwegian Stavkirke?
Stave churches are considered to be among the most important examples of wooden Medieval architecture in Europe. A stave church is made of wood, and the construction is made out of poles (“staver” in Norwegian), hence the name. Most of the remaining stave churches in Norway were built between 1150 and 1350.
Who built Gol stave church?
Noted wood carvers Philip Odden and Elsa Bigton of Barronet, Wisconsin have completed the intricately-carved front and side portals and doors. Some 700-800-year-old stave churches in Norway still stand.
How old is the oldest church in Norway?
Nidaros Cathedral (11th century) is one of the largest and oldest in Norway.
- Early churches may have been built on sites of pre-Christian worship.
- Church building in Norway is characterized by the widespread use of wood constructions.
Are stave churches Pagan?
The richly decorated portal at Urnes stave church has often been interpreted in light of paganism. It is architecturally, culturally and historically unique because of its extremely detailed wood carving work and the extensive interior ornamentation. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1979.
Are stave churches Catholic?
A stave church is a medieval wooden Christian church building once common in north-western Europe. The name derives from the building’s structure of post and lintel construction, a type of timber framing where the load-bearing ore-pine posts are called stafr in Old Norse (stav in modern Norwegian).
What religion are Vikings?
The Vikings came into contact with Christianity through their raids, and when they settled in lands with a Christian population, they adopted Christianity quite quickly. This was true in Normandy, Ireland, and throughout the British Isles.
What is a Viking church called?
When was the first stave church built?
The church was built sometime between 1180 and 1250 AD with later additions and restorations. Its walls are formed by vertical wooden posts, or staves, hence the name “stave church.” The four corner posts are connected to one another by ground sills, resting on a stone foundation.
What is the least religious country in world?
The Least Religious Countries in the World
- China.
- Japan.
- Sweden.
- France.
- Australia.
- Czech Republic.
- Denmark.
- Estonia.