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What are they? -

Stave churches are medieval wooden churches originally found in Norway. Some examples also exist in Sweden, Germany, and other parts of Europe, but they are not original churches and are instead merely inspired by the Norwegians. One thing is universally certain, however: the architectural style features wooden posts (staves) serving as the structure's primary support.

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Key features -

Aside from being made entirely of wood, stave churches are also notable for their tapered roofs, elaborately intricate carvings, and influences from both Christianity and paganism. These churches once served as places of worship for Christian communities in Scandinavia.

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Borgund Stave Church -

This church was built sometime between 1180 and 1250 CE, and it is one of the best-preserved stave churches. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dragon heads on the roof and its elaborate carvings.

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Eidsborg Stave Church -

Although the earliest historical records for Eidsborg date back to 1354 CE, it is believed that the church was built a century before that. Surprisingly, the building is still in use as a parish church, and it draws many tourists due to its beautiful surroundings.

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Flesberg Stave Church -

This church dates back to approximately 1150 CE and is famous for its interior decorations. During summer, the building receives many church services, and even the occasional concert.

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Garmo Stave Church -

This is one of the most visited stave churches in Norway, due mostly to its proximity to the Open Air Museum. After its construction in the 1200s, Garmo has been extended many times, with the most recent in 1730. Interestingly, the church was originally built in Garmo before it was deconstructed in 1880 and rebuilt in Maihaugen in 1921.

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Gol Stave Church -

The wood carvings found in Gol Stave Church are interestingly mixed, with Norse symbols prominently displayed on the Christian building. That’s because, around the time of the church’s construction in 1150 CE, Norwegians weren’t entirely sold on the idea of a new religion.

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Grip Stave Church -

This building can be found in the now-abandoned fishing village of Grip, located on a small island in the Norwegian Sea. The stave church was built on the island’s highest point in about 1300, and is most notable for its deep red color.

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Haltdalen Stave Church -

Haltdalen is one of the more visually unremarkable stave churches on this list, as it does not have any significant carvings or markings. But that doesn’t make it less culturally significant, especially since the building has been preserved for more than 800 years.

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Hedalen Stave Church -

The Hedalen Stave Church–which was constructed in about 1160 CE–features dragons on the building’s west-facing entrance, which are meant to symbolize the evil forces that you leave behind before you enter the church.

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Heddal Stave Church -

This is the largest stave church in Norway, and it is certainly among the most beautiful. Heddal was built in the 13th century, and has three distinct towers with an impressive adornment of wood-building art. The church was created at a time when Christianity and paganism were at odds, which can be seen in the building’s symbols.

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Hegge Stave Church -

The Hegge Stave Church dates back to the early 1200s and is still in use today as a parish church. Quite uniquely, the building has a carved gate in front that was created in the Middle Ages.

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Hopperstad Stave Church -

The Hopperstad Stave Church is the oldest of its kind, and would have been lost to neglect if not for the intervention of cultural conservationists. It was constructed in 1130, and many Christian symbols were added to the building in later centuries.

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Høre Stave Church -

It is assumed that Høre was built on the foundations of a much smaller church in 1179, since the oldest coin discovered beneath the floor dates back to around 1100. The building interior features a rich assemblage of dragon and lion carvings, all from the Middle Ages.

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Høyjord Stave Church -

This is the only stave church still standing in Norway’s Vestfold county, and it is also the southernmost one in the nation. Although the present building can be dated to around 1300, there are parts that were constructed in the 1100s.

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Kaupanger Stave Church -

The Kaupanger Stave Church is quite unique compared to the others on this list, due to its significant lack of carvings throughout the building. The church that you see today was actually built to replace another one that burned down before 1140 CE.

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Kvernes Stave Church -

While the other stave churches on this list were constructed by the 13th century, this is Norway’s only stave church that was built in the Middle Ages, around 1630. Interestingly, the church’s altarpiece is from 1475, which is older than the building itself.

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Lomen Stave Church -

It is believed that Lomen Stave Church dates back to around 1192, with many conversions and extensions applied in the 18th century. Use of the building nowadays has mostly been limited to weddings and religious services during the summer season.

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Lom Stave Church -

Also among the oldest stave churches is Lom, which was constructed in the mid-12th century and is also the largest building on this list. Despite the fact that it was created so long ago, many of the furnishings seen today were only made in the 18th century.

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Nore Stave Church -

Unlike the other stave churches in the country, Nore was constructed in the architectural style of Nummedals-type, with a chancel and cross naves. The building’s interior features two inscriptions, one of which is a prayer: “Wish me the very best.”

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Øye Stave Church -

The original Øye Stave Church was probably built towards the end of the 1100s, but decades of rot and neglect caused it to mostly disappear. The building you see today was constructed in the 1930s, with only 156 pieces of the old church featured in its build.

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Reinli Stave Church -

Prior to Reinli’s construction in 1326, the site had been home to two other churches, but the only remains left of the first church are graves. If you visit this historical place, you will find the original 12 medieval consecration crosses, which have been painted black.

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Ringebu Stave Church -

The distinct red tower that can be seen at Ringebu Stave Church is actually a feature that was added in the 17th century, even though the church was originally built around 1220.

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Rollag Stave Church -

Although Rollag Stave Church was built in the second half of the 12th century, not much is left of the original church. Numerous remodels over the centuries resulted in the removal and replacement of many original pieces, with the latest from 1760.

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Rødven Stave Church -

Although the Rødven Stave Church is nothing more than a museum now, it does have one annual worship service on July 29. The building dates back to the 13th century, and among its oldest furnishings is a crucifix from the same period.

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Røldal Stave Church -

Built in about 1250, Røldal was historically an important pilgrimage site in Norway. In fact, it was particularly renowned for a crucifix believed to have miraculous powers, which attracted pilgrims seeking healing and protection.

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Torpo Stave Church -

Torpo Stave Church is the oldest and only original stave church left in the traditional district of Hallingdal. It was erected around 1160, and dedicated to Saint Margaret. It is also one of only two churches on this list that are signed by their craftsmen.

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Undredal Stave Church -

Undredal is most notable for its white color. The church was built around 1147, and plans were made in 1913 to dismantle the building and move it to a museum. However, this never happened, and maintenance work was applied to it instead.

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Urnes Stave Church -

This building is the oldest stave church in existence, a status that it shares with Hopperstad Stave Church. Urnes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was actually built in two parts between 1130 and 1200.

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Uvdal Stave Church -

Sadly, the last stave church on this list does not have its original appearance, due to modifications made before the 1800s. But this has only added to the church’s beauty, especially since various building styles are merged into one.

Sources: (Visit Norway) (Fjord Norway)

See also: Why it's taken over 140 years and counting to build Spain's biggest church

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