Øye stave church, Medieval stave church in Vang, Norway
Oye is a wooden stave church in Vang, Norway, built with traditional Norse elements such as vertical posts, timber framing, and detailed exterior and interior carvings. The building has a modest capacity of about 30 people and serves the parish community.
The church was originally built in 1180, then demolished in 1747, and later reconstructed in 1965 using salvaged materials from the original structure. This reconstruction preserved the medieval building tradition while connecting past and present.
The church houses medieval objects including a crucifix from the 1300s and a wooden baptismal font of similar age. These pieces reflect the spiritual life and craftsmanship of the local community across generations.
The building is small and intimate in layout, making it important to check visiting times before arriving. Limited space means visitors should come in small groups and respect traditional use times.
During repairs in 1935, workers discovered original wooden fragments beneath the floor, which were later incorporated into the current structure. These findings helped craftspeople understand how the medieval church originally looked and how it was built.
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