Table of Contents
Introduction
Norway’s iconic stave churches are architectural wonders that provide a unique window into the country’s rich history and culture. With their elaborate wooden construction and ornate details, these medieval houses of worship are astonishing feats of craftsmanship. Let’s explore the origins, distinctive features, and legacy of these magnificent structures.
Origins and Early History
Stave churches are a distinctly Scandinavian form of medieval wooden Christian architecture. The first stave churches were likely built in Norway and Sweden during the second half of the 12th century. Early construction involved intricately interlocking vertical wooden posts, planks, and beams, a technique known as “stave” building. Churches were framed with large timber joists and load-bearing pillars to support walls and roofs. Builders used locally available materials like pine and spruce for the posts and plank cladding.
These magnificent wooden buildings held great religious and ceremonial importance for Nordic Christian communities during the medieval period. By using post-and-beam design rather than traditional masonry, stave construction allowed for impressive spaces unencumbered by thick walls. This enabled larger and more elaborate church interiors to take shape. At their peak, it’s estimated there were over 1,000 stave churches across Scandinavia.
Architectural Characteristics
The ingenious wooden architecture of stave churches includes many unique structural elements not found elsewhere in medieval church design.
Steeply Angled Roofs
Stave church roofs are dramatically steep, often over 60 degrees. The precipitous slope allowed snow and rain to easily slide off in Nordic climates. Large overhanging eaves also protected church walls and entrances.
Intricate Carvings
Viking era scrollwork and dragon motif carvings adorn both the exterior façade and interior beams of stave churches. Intricate ornamentation covers structural posts, walls, archways, and furnishings. Flourishes include winding vines, crosses, plant shapes, and animal figures.
Post and Beam Framing
The essential framework of stave construction utilizes large load-bearing vertical posts and diagonal bracing beams. This creates open, cavernous interiors uninterrupted by solid masonry walls. Roofs are supported with an intersecting web of triangular trusses.
Elevated Sanctuaries
The central nave is flanked by an elevated chancel or sanctuary, reached by several steps. This reflects the separation of the clergy and common worshippers. Side aisles and ambulatories surround the central space.
Notable Examples
Norway’s cherished stave churches display an incredible richness of form, building technique, and decorative detail. Here are some of the most architecturally significant.
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Urnes Stave Church – Built around 1130, the oldest surviving stave church in Norway. Features remarkably ornate carvings.
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Borgund Stave Church – A 12th century post-and-beam masterpiece with steeply pitched roof and dragon figures.
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Heddal Stave Church – Spectacular 13th century structure and the largest still standing. Imposing triple-nave design.
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Gol Stave Church – Dates to 1216 with extensive Viking-era scrollwork and carvings. Restored after a fire in the 1880s.
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Garmo Stave Church – Circa 1150, exhibits pagan animal motifs and multi-layer roof shaping. Moved and rebuilt in 1867.
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Reinli Stave Church – Built in 1621, one of the country’s youngest with Baroque details. Houses over 300 votive boats.
Preservation Efforts
Over the centuries, fire, weathering, and neglect have destroyed all but a fraction of the medieval Norwegian stave churches. Of the estimated thousand built, only about 28 presently survive. Thankfully, restoration efforts have preserved these exquisite examples of craftsmanship.
The challenges of Scandinavia’s harsh climate took a toll on wooden buildings over the ages. Later church design favored masonry construction for longevity and fireproofing. Meanwhile, the stave building technique faded away. But in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, awareness grew to preserve the remaining stave churches as cultural treasures.
Meticulous restoration work on sites like Borgund (restored in the late 1800s) enabled the saved structures to be appreciated and studied. Modern climate control and fireproofing also help safeguard these pieces of history. The enduring survivors now attract visitors from around the world, and serve as active Lutheran congregations. These architectural marvels provide a direct link to Scandinavia’s rich past.
Conclusion
With their soaring silhouettes and ornately adorned wooden frameworks, Norway’s medieval stave churches are astonishing monuments to the ingenuity of Nordic design. The inventive architecture and artistic mastery embodied in these 12th and 13th century houses of worship continues to awe and inspire. By valuing preservation, Norwegians have retained this vibrant link to their heritage. Stave churches endure as some of the world’s most fascinating wooden architectural achievements.
FAQs
What are some common myths about stave churches?
Some common misconceptions are that they were built by Vikings, only existed in Norway, were pagan temples, or served mainly as fortresses. In fact, stave churches were built after the Viking era by Christian communities for worship and ceremonies. While more numerous in Norway, they were also built in Sweden.
Where are most of the remaining stave churches located?
Of the 28 surviving stave churches, 18 are found in Norway, especially concentrated in the western regions of the country. Several examples also exist in Sweden, including the 12th century Håbo-Tibble Church north of Stockholm.
What materials were used to build stave churches?
The main construction materials were large pine and spruce timber planks that interlocked to form the post-and-beam framework. Wood was also used for shingles, exterior cladding, carvings, furniture, and other interior elements. Stone bases supported the wooden frame in some cases.
How did stave churches influence later Norwegian architecture?
While few were built after the 14th century, the innovative woodworking and decorative techniques inspired later Norwegian building styles. Dramatic arched roof lines and ornate woodcarvings remain hallmarks of traditional Norwegian design.
What is the oldest surviving stave church?
The Urnes Stave Church in western Norway is considered the oldest, dating to around 1130-1150 AD. Located on the Lustrafjorden inlet, it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and features elaborate Scandinavian woodcarving.