Posts Tagged Churches
Østfold in Pictures: Skjeberg Church
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on August 17, 2010
Skjeberg Church
Posted by admin in History and architecture on August 17, 2010
One of the largest Medieval churches in Østfold, dating back to the late 12th century, Skjeberg Church is also arguably one of the prettiest. Built in stone, in the Roman style, it boasts a gothic portal, as well as a runic inscription on one of the walls. The baptismal font in the church, made of a special kind of stone called ‘kleberstein’ in Norwegian, is one of the finest in the country. It was carved by an English craftsman in the first half of the 1100s. The font, which is square, stands on five pillars. It is big, as in the Middle Ages infants had to be totally immersed in water during the christening ceremony. Images of Christ, the four evangelists and the apostles adorn the bas-reliefs on the sides of the font. The church is surrounded by a colourful graveyard overlooking the surrounding fields.
How to get there: From Sarpsborg, follow Rv118 (Skjebergveien) south towards Skjeberg Stasjon. You’ll see the church on your right 2km before you reach the railway crossing.
For info on other Østfold churches see www.elusivemoose.eu/2009/12/top-5-churches-in-østfold/
Østfold in Pictures: Hvaler Church
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on March 22, 2010
Hvaler Church: Possibly Norway’s oldest
Posted by admin in History and architecture on March 22, 2010
Dating back to the Middle Ages (920-1080), Hvaler Church, on Kirkeøy, is one of Norway’s oldest. The church, which is quite large for a medieval church, stands over what might have been a prehistoric pagan site of worship. Archeologists found 804 coins under the choir floor. While many originate from Norway, some are from Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. About three quarters of the coins date from before 1536, with the oldest one dating from 1130. These coins prove that Hvaler’s inhabitants were in contact with the European Continent centuries ago.
Model ship Oscar
Many worshipers came to the church by boat from the archipelago’s outer islands. Hanging in the nave is the three-masted sailing vessel Oscar dating from the 1880s. Model ships are common in Norwegian churches, often given by sailors in gratitude for rescue at sea.
Music in the church
The two-manual, 11-rank pipe organ was installed in late 1955. Because of limited space, not all 945 sounding pipes could fit in the organ casework, but this problem was solved by installing the upper manual pipes and the swell shades in the attic. The grand piano is a gift from Berit S Martinsen, the church’s organist for 29 years, from 1969-1998, while the harpsichord is on indefinite loan to the church.
Altar and baptismal font
The Rococo style altar is from around 1750. Featured on the altar piece, itself from 1759, is Eggert Munch’s oil painting of the crucifixion (he was a distant relation of the famous Edvard Munch, in case you were wondering about the name). The limestone baptismal font dates from between 1250 and 1300. It is likely to have come from Gotland, Sweden. The font is deep because babies were previously baptized by full immersion.
Bell
Dating from about 1200, the Romanesque-style bell, which is 54cm high, 61cm in diameter, and weighs about 120kg, originates from Holland. Because of cracks, it is seldom rung – an electrically operated bell is used instead on most occasions.
An Englishman in Hvaler
Kjølbo farm was once the home of the Englishman John William LeGassicke Goodchild. There he ran a general store, an inn, and for a few years, a bar. Worshipers could freshen up and change clothes there before attending mass in the church. Goodchild also served as Hvaler’s fourth mayor from 1845 to 1847. You can see his grave right outside the church’s main entrance.
Want to find out more?
You will find an exhibition of objects, photographs and text depicting Hvaler and Spjærøy churches history, with a special focus on Hvaler Church’s restoration in 1953-1956, in the building across the road from the church (Drengestua).
Hvaler Church, Storveien 12, Skjærhallen. Tel: 69 37 90 37, www.hvaler.kirken.no
Østfold in Pictures: Gamlebyen’s church
Posted by admin in Photos and videos, Travel and practical stuff, Uncategorized on February 10, 2010
Østfold in Pictures: Råde Church
Posted by admin in History and architecture, Photos and videos on December 5, 2009
Top 5: Churches in Østfold
Posted by admin in History and architecture on December 5, 2009
There are many churches scattered all over Østfold, many of them in Indre-Østfold. Some have a rich history going back centuries, others are more interesting from an architectural point of view. Picking the ‘best’ ones is bound to be subjective, but here are in any case a few that are well worth a look. Please bear in mind that churches in Norway are usually closed to the public, so take contact with the individual churches if you wish to view the interiors.
- Hvaler: The archipelago’s main church, and possibly the oldest church in the whole of Norway. Storveien 12, Skjærhalden. Tel: 69 37 90 37. More info at www.elusivemoose.eu/2010/03/22/
- Rygge: A fine example of a well-preserved medieval church in Østfold. About 3km from Halmstad, direction Larkollen. There are signs for the church from Rv 118 towards Moss and Rv 119 from Moss to Larkollen. Tel: 69 26 44 85.
- Eidsberg: Known as Østfold cathedral because of its impressive size, it also enjoys a beautiful location. Rv 124, approximately 7km south of Mysen centre, direction Rakkestad. Tel: 69 70 22 61.
- Hobøl: One of Norway’s best preserved medieval churches, built in granite in Romanesque style at the end of the 12th century. Tel: 69 92 16 40.
- Rømskog: On the eastern side of Rømsjøen, this church is entirely built in red timber. The original building from 1799 was extended and extensively restored in the 1950s. Signposted from Rv 21 at lake Rømsjøen. Tel: 69 85 91 77 or 93 23 88 60.