states: [norway]
category: cultural
year: 1979
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 61.3000000000, 7.3333300000
Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkably preserved example of 12th-century Scandinavian wooden architecture. Built around 1130, it showcases intricate wood carvings, including the famous "Urnes style" animal motifs on its north portal, blending Norse and Christian influences. The church stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship, with its stave construction—a technique using vertical wooden posts—demonstrating both durability and artistic sophistication. Today, it serves as a historical and cultural landmark, offering insight into Norway's architectural heritage.
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