Off Topic:

Stave Churches in Norway (UNESCO HERITAGE)

My favourite travel destinations are Sicily (of course), London, Svalbard, Bayreuth (Wagner Festival), New York - and Ravenna.

 

Heddal stave church near Notodden is the largest of the 28 remaining stave churches in Norway. It was probably built in the 13th century; dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) has not been able to give us a firm answer.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Hedalen stave church (not to be confused with Heddal). Dendrochronological analysis tells us that the wood was cut between 1161 and 1163, so it is likely the the church was built around 1165. It was deserted for centuries after the plague that came to Norway in 1349.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

The very symbol of Norway: the dragonhead ornaments on Borgund stave church. Built around 1180. Tree-ring dating (dendrochronology) has dated one of the staves to 1180-81.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

 

Rollag stave church (probably mid 13th century).

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Medieval iron ornaments on the door, Hedalen Stave Church.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Heddal stave church. Photo taken with a fish eye lens.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

The famous Madonna in Hedalen Stave Church (1230-40).

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Medieval crucifix in Nore Stave Church, Norway.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Exterior: "Boiling" tar. Hedalen Stave Church.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Exterior: Dry wood. Hedalen Stave Church.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Detail of the portal. Hedalen Stave Church.

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily

 

 

Borgund stave church (c. 1180).

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily