Heddal stave church

The Stave Church Heddal (old German name Church Hitterdal ) is approximately 20 meters in length and 26 meters in height, the largest of its kind in Norway. It is located in the district of the municipality of Notodden Heddal right on the highway E 134 in the east of the county of Telemark.

History

According to legend, built the troll Finn, who lived near Heddals Svintruberg in the House of God in the course of just three days. Some art historians date the oldest parts of the church staff, especially the chorus, to the 12th century, although this is disputed. Essentially, the building was probably built around 1240. A runic inscription near the south door leads to the conclusion that the church was consecrated on 25 October 1242. In written sources, it is first mentioned in the 14th century.

1849 to 1851 the building was restored by architects Nebelong and Hansen, thereby greatly changed. In particular, windows were installed and modernized the interior. This partially improper procedures encountered in the population and those skilled in resistance. In 1954 the changes were dismantled by using old drawings with the aim of restoring the medieval character of the Church.

Architecture

Because of their size and the large number of overlapping roofs stave church is sometimes referred to as " gothic cathedral made of wood ." The three-nave church with a raised central space rests on twelve -supporting towers, the so-called " bars ". For the construction of resinous pine wood was used, which is tarred to protect against rot regularly on a medieval model. 25 to 30 percent of the original material has been preserved until today. Using the radiocarbon method could be demonstrated that a beam of the basic design dates from 875-925 without one could say what function it originally had. The church is (a kind of portico ) surrounded by a so-called " Svalgang ," provides protection against wind and weather.

The entrance portals of the church have valuable carvings of pagan origin, the inside is decorated with rose patterns. The altar was made by an unknown artist in 1667, the murals created 1668th Noteworthy is a ceremonial chair ( " bishopric " ) from the 12th century with designs from the Nibelungen saga. For medieval Inventory originally included a wrought iron chandelier for 23 candles, but now in the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.

In the church during sermons, weddings and christenings take place. Regular tours are offered. Stave Church Heddal is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in Norway.

Ornaments in West Portal

Heddal Open Air Museum

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