2. Medieval Period churches in Nordland
    Laura Priščáková

There are 11 stone’s churches in Nordland from Medieval Period. Compared with other countries such as Italy or France it is not so many. But it is evidence of growing economy, wealth of the region and the influence of Christianity in Nordland.
Herøy, Alstahaug, Dønnes and Gildeskål churches were built by rich farmers. They are situated near by sea which was most important for traveling, trade and fishing. These churches were built in Romanesque and Gothic style but they have changed due the historical events such as the Lutheran Reformation or the needs of the community. Gildeskål is the exception which is more or less preserved[1] but there are changes; open apse with alter or newer transept.
It is hard to say for sure when these churches were built because we do not have written sources. Styles of buildings are helpful for specify when they were built. For example the Herøy church has Romanesque (picture n. 1) and Gothic (picture n. 2) elements. We can identify the 12th (Romanesque window) and 13th (Gothic column) century.

Picture n. 1; Romanesque window

Picture n. 2; Gothic column

There are many possible reasons why they decided to build stone’s churches. Perhaps they wanted to show everyone that they are rich and powerful people, maybe they made it for strong spiritual experience because stone’s building with echo is different from wood’s building or they wanted to fight against paganism. Maybe they decided to build stone’s church because something from stone can stay forever and it gives immortality the person who built it…

---

[1] Stige, Morten og Ekroll, Øystein (red.). Gildeskål gamle kirke. Marmorkirka ved nordvegen. 2014, p. 281.