Urnes Stave Church

The Urnes Stave Church is a 12th-century wooden church located in the Sogn og Fjordane region of Norway. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant examples of the stave church architectural style, which was prevalent in medieval Norway. The church is renowned for its ornate carvings, which feature interlacing patterns, mythical creatures, and scenes from Norse mythology.

The exact date of the construction of the Urnes Stave Church is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the church underwent several renovations and additions, including the addition of a sacristy in the 15th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the church was used as a storehouse for crops, which led to its decline and neglect. It was not until the 19th century that efforts were made to restore and preserve the church.

Today, the Urnes Stave Church is a popular tourist destination and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered a masterpiece of wooden architecture and is considered one of the most important examples of the stave church style. The church’s carvings are also considered some of the finest examples of Norse art and are studied by scholars and enthusiasts from around the world. The Urnes Stave Church is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Norway and is a symbol of the country’s proud heritage.

The Church’s carvings

The carvings on the Urnes Stave Church are some of the finest examples of Norse art and are known for their intricate interlacing patterns and depictions of mythical creatures. The carvings are believed to have been added to the church over several centuries, starting from the 12th century. The style of the carvings is a mix of Celtic, Viking, and Romanesque influences, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Norway during the medieval period.

The symbols and motifs used in the carvings are rich in symbolism and are thought to reflect the beliefs and values of the society that created them. The interlacing patterns symbolize the interconnectedness of all things, while the depiction of mythical creatures such as dragons, lions, and serpents reflect the importance of these creatures in Norse mythology. Other motifs, such as the Tree of Life, symbolize the connection between heaven and earth, while the depiction of the crucifixion of Christ is a testament to the influence of Christianity on the country’s culture and beliefs. The carvings on the Urnes Stave Church provide a unique window into the rich cultural and religious history of Norway, and are considered an important part of the country’s heritage.

The 3D scans of part of the Church’s carvings and portals are available to download on Scan the World, they have been scanned at the SMK museum where plaster casts of the original are kept.