Stafkirkjan Church is structure gifted to Iceland by Norway
Category

Culture

Est. Duration

0-30m

Age requirement

All ages

Message from mattberthou

The Heimaey Stave Church (Stafkirkjan) is a replica of the Haltdalen stave church situated in the Skansinn area of Vestmannaeyjabær on Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. It was opened in 2000 and was constructed as a gift from Norway to Iceland in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the conversion of Iceland to Christianity. The structure was built using materials from different regions of Norway such as timber from Røros, shingles from Odalen, tar from Skjåk, wrought iron from Vågå, and a doorstep from Holtålen. A gallery was added around the structure to provide an extra layer of protection against the stormy weather of the region. The National Church of Norway also gave an altar piece depicting a replica of the St Olav frontal which was one of the finest surviving medieval Norwegian works of art. Heimaey Stave Church is an impressive testament to faith that can be appreciated by visitors for generations to come.

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