Hvaler Church, Medieval stone church in Skjærhalden, Norway
Hvaler Church is a stone structure with a rectangular main hall and narrow choir section, situated on Kirkeøy island within the Hvaler archipelago south of Østfold. The building displays solid masonry construction typical of medieval religious architecture in this region.
The structure was built between 920 and 1080 based on carbon dating of timber, making it among the oldest stone buildings in the area. Beneath the choir floor, archaeological work uncovered evidence of occupation from much earlier periods.
This place serves as a spiritual center for the island community and reflects the changing tastes of people who worshipped here over centuries. The mix of furnishings and decorations shows how religious practice evolved across different periods.
The location on an island means visitors should plan for travel by car or ferry to reach it in Skjærhalden. Access may be limited to certain times depending on religious services and local events.
Excavations beneath the choir revealed more than 800 medieval coins from Norway, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden hidden in the floor. This discovery suggests the place was an important hub for both commerce and religious life.
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