Rodven

Rodven Stave Church, ca 1300, in More og Romsdal

 

Photograph taken in 2011

 

Rodven stave church is one of three stave churches remaining in More og Romsdal  (an area on the west coast of Norway). It is a single nave stave church and is supported by diagonal struts on three sides of the building exterior. These struts give it a rather unusual appearance. Like many stave churches, it is situated on a fjord as in centuries past Norwegians mostly moved around their country via fjords.  

 

 

The walls and ceiling were decorated in the mid 17^th century but at present show advanced water and mildew damage. The simple but gracious altarpiece dates from the 18^th century.

 

 

 

Eight watchful faces adorn areas at the top and near the top of the altarpiece. I do not know the significance of these faces.

 

 

 

The almost life size crucifix is much older than the rest of the interior; it is from the 13^th century while the rest of the church interior is post-Reformation. Notice the interesting carvings at the four terminations of the cross. The crucifix was believed to have miraculous powers and was a pilgrimage site as well as a parish church. The carved ends of box pews can be seen in the foreground of the photograph.

Rodven stave church is owned, operated and maintained by the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments and is open to visitors during the summer months.

 

At the end of the 19^th century, a very attractive “new” and bigger church was built close by. On a nice day, the scene of the two rather striking churches in close proximity to a fjord is idyllic. However, during storms both churches are battered by strong winds  coming from the Romsdal and Rodven fjords.

There is no public transportation to the church. The church is 34 kilometers from Andalsnes. If you aren’t traveling by car, taxis in Andalsnes will take you there and bring you back but avoid those drivers that offer you a “special” (translation exorbitant) price for the round trip.