Eidsberg Church

About

Eidsberg Church is dedicated to St. Olav, with a stone sculpture of the saint above the entrance marking its religious significance. Constructed in the latter half of the 12th century, the church was built using stone in the Romanesque style. Over time, and after a devastating fire in the 1400’s, the church has undergone various transformations - today, the only remaining original medieval decoration can be found in the baptismal font, which dates back to the 1200s. See the stunning soapstone, cup-shaped piece up close and admire the artistic craftsmanship of the era. According to a local legend, a colossal man built the church, whose towering height allowed him to cross the river and fetch timber from the Skiptvet-side. His incredible strength allowed him to carry twelve logs on his back. The proof of this legend can be found in a head-shaped stone embedded approximately 8 meters up the south wall of the tower, near the west corner, symbolizing the man's remarkable stature. Photo by Trond Laksaa / Kirkenorge.no under CC BY-SA 2.5