2. Medieval churches in Nordland

Ane Rodrigo

During our trip, we visited Dønnes Church, Herøy church and Alstahaug church. Three of the eleven stone churches that were built in the Medieval Period in Norway. We can see that the number of churches that were built is not very big. This is because of the economical growth that was happening.

Dønnes was built during the 1200s. So it is a 13^th century parish church (or parochial church). If we watch carefully, we will notice that there are some decorations such as “Maddona with child” (1200), a figure of “St. Laurentius” (1400), the pulpit that is Baroque and the altarpiece is from 1670. As it is common, the church was extended and it has also been renovated several times.

Herøy church is also a parish church, located in the municipality of Herøy, more specifically in Silvalen. This white stone church was built in the 12^th century. It represents the same Romanesque style as the church of Dønne and Alstahaug. The altarpiece and the pulpit of this church were made in 1764.

The last church we visited was Alstahaug church. This is also a parish church that is associated with Petter Dass. It was built in the 12^th century.

The medieval churches have both, gothic and Romanesque styles.

*Information taken from:

http://www.spottinghistory.com/tag/medieval-churches-in-norway/1/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B8nnes_Church