- Address: 6870 Ornes, Norway
- Phone: +47 57 67 88 40
- Official website: stavechurch.com
- Date of construction: 1130
Norway is famous for a number of unusual, wonderful and unique places that every tourist should visit when traveling in Northern Europe. This country is considered the only one in Scandinavia, where now one can see medieval frame and mast shrines made of wood. One of the most ancient churches in Norway is the bazaar in Urnes, built as far back as the 13th century. Now this church is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features of the Urnesian Church
Bidding in Urnes is built on the site of several even older sacred temples. Some of their parts were discovered during archaeological excavations. The main distinguishing features of the church from similar ancient buildings are the smooth lines, undulating decorative elements and asymmetrical character. Bidding is famous for its carved "animal style", which was copied from the first churches.
The wooden roof slopes in Urnes are decorated with carvings with snake motifs. Here you can see a dragon with a grinning mouth holding a snake in its teeth, and she, trying to defend herself, tries to clothe his neck. This pattern of carving is symbolic. According to some sources, it testifies to the struggle of Christianity with paganism. The entrance to the church in Urnes is paid. Inside the building, visitors are prohibited from taking photographs.
How to get to the bazaar in Urnes?
The church is located on the cape in the Sognefjord , which is considered the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Tourists can get here by ferry or by car from the village of Skjolden along the Fv33 route. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.