Reinli Stave Church

The Stave Church Reinli (Norwegian Reinli stavkirke ) is a Norwegian stave church, which is about 30 kilometers southeast of Fagernes Valdres.

History

First mentioned it was in 1237, but can be dated to the second half of the 13th century. Archaeological surveys indicate that it was built on an older Christian burial ground. The church is believed to be a successor building a church that has fallen victim to a fire.

In the Middle Ages the church with an apse and a portico was extended. In the 17th and 18th century the church was rebuilt several times. Restoration work of 1880 and 1970 produced the present form, although most of the medieval buildings has been preserved.

Architecture

The church is twice as long as wide and has probably since their formation a small roof skylights. The roof has been built unlike other stave churches with transverse parts and it was later drafted a blanket. The church has a western and a south porch which consist of half-columns with pilasters. The door leaf of the west portal has iron fittings from the Middle Ages.