Old Gaupne Church


Old Gaupne Church is a historic parish church of the Church of Norway in Luster Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It is located in the village of Gaupne. It was the main church for the Luster parish until it was replaced in 1907. The brown, wooden church was built in a long church style about 1650 using designs by an unknown architect. The church seats about 130 people.

History

The earliest existing historical records of the church date back to the year 1306, but the church was not new at that time. The first church on this site was a stave church that was likely built in the second half of the 12th century. Around the year 1647, the old church was torn down and replaced. The new building was built using several of the parts from the old stave church, including the side planks of the western portals. These planks, dating back to the second half of the 12th century, are now one of the standout features of the church, infused with detailed carvings of snakes and dragons. The church construction began in 1647, but it likely wasn't completely finished until 1652.
This "old" church was used from 1647 until 1907 when the new Gaupne Church was completed, about to the northeast of the site of the old church. After the "new" church was in use, the "old" church was given to the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments in 1909. The society cares for the site and the parish uses the church for special occasions. The Old Gaupne Church is now well-known for the annual St. Olaf’s Day service that is held there. The church interior now largely resembles its historic 17th-century appearance. The walls are richly deorated with drawings and Bible verses.

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