A.Reef (slow)
The Unlocked Past
The wooden church of Urnes is a 12th-century stave church at Ornes, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the oldest of its kind in Norway, bringing together traces of Celtic art, Viking traditions and Romanesque spatial structures, according to whc.unesco.org/en/list/58.
There have been numerous attempts to interpret the iconography of the church's most remarkable part, the old portal in the northern wall, a carved decoration of interlaced, fighting animals. Some believe it portrays the eternal fight between good and evil. Others – that it shows scenes from Norse mythology, with the intertwined snakes and dragons representing the end of the world according to the Norse legend of Ragnarök.
We knew that the church is a must see on our trip to Norway, and it has definitely exceeded my expectations. It is difficult to convey that with photos, but I had to try. This is No.3 (of 3) where you can appreciate the amazing details of the entrance door.
The Unlocked Past
The wooden church of Urnes is a 12th-century stave church at Ornes, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the oldest of its kind in Norway, bringing together traces of Celtic art, Viking traditions and Romanesque spatial structures, according to whc.unesco.org/en/list/58.
There have been numerous attempts to interpret the iconography of the church's most remarkable part, the old portal in the northern wall, a carved decoration of interlaced, fighting animals. Some believe it portrays the eternal fight between good and evil. Others – that it shows scenes from Norse mythology, with the intertwined snakes and dragons representing the end of the world according to the Norse legend of Ragnarök.
We knew that the church is a must see on our trip to Norway, and it has definitely exceeded my expectations. It is difficult to convey that with photos, but I had to try. This is No.3 (of 3) where you can appreciate the amazing details of the entrance door.