900 Year Old Viking Church
900 Year Old Viking Church
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Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik in Sogn dates from around 1130. When the new church was built in 1877 the stave church was sold to the National Trust of Norway (Fortidsminneforeningen). During its long life, Hopperstad Stave Church has experienced both periods of decline and a wonderful restoration in the 1880’s by the architect Peter Blix.

Not much is known about the appearance of the stave church during medieval times, but its restoration in the 1880’s was based upon similar stave churches such as Borgund, and remnants of the original stave church.

Hopperstad Stave Church is the only church where the original narrow chancel opening is preserved. In the Middle Ages, openings with small arches were added on either side of the narrow chancel arch.

The main west-facing portal is a fine example of medieval carving, featuring rampant dragons and intertwining vines. The south-facing portal has magnificent wrought-iron fittings.

The baldachin from approximately 1300 is unique in its kind and orginally formed a canopy over a side altar with a Madonna or saint figure. The paintings on the canopy depict the Nativity and Jesus’ early years.

Check out this tourists video to see it up close and inside.

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