Rollag Stave Church, Stave church in Rollag, Norway
Rollag Stave Church is a wooden church building in southern Norway with a cross-shaped floor plan created by additions made over time. The wooden structure displays typical features of Nordic stave church architecture with slender timber pillars and traditional joinery techniques.
The church was built in the second half of the 12th century and underwent major transformations around 1660 that changed its original rectangular layout. These changes reflect the shift from medieval to early modern church design.
The name reflects the local valley where it stands, and the interior shows how different artistic styles merged over centuries. Visitors can see how the decoration evolved from medieval times through the baroque period, revealing the religious beliefs of each era.
The church can be visited from June through August on select days, with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff explaining the history and artwork. It is wise to check the exact opening days in advance, as access is limited to the summer season.
The gallery railing was painted in 1722 with detailed scenes of Jesus and the apostles, showing craftsmanship found in few other wooden churches of the region. These paintings remain among the most notable examples of interior decoration from that period.
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