It’s that time of the year when spring or summer getaways are planned.
But instead of following the crowds to a beach consider a trip centered on religious heritage, including unique architecture and art on par with the finest museums.
Norway
This Nordic country isn’t known for its old churches, but with 28 wooden medieval-era churches it should be.
Called stave churches, the name comes from the construction method of erecting load-bearing posts — staves in Norwegian — upon rocks or sill frames.
Kaupanger’s 12th century stave church features a 16th century baroque interior. Other notable stave churches are found in Borgund and Urnes, the latter of which dates to the year 1130 and includes its original crucifix.
Most of the stave churches are located in Norway’s Fjord region, which means flying into Bergen or Trondheim and renting a car.
Norfolk and Suffolk, England
East Anglia, as the region encompassing the historic English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk is called, has over 150 medieval churches with round towers. By contrast, this style is incredibly rare elsewhere in England.
Many remain active houses of worships. Others are so-called redundant churches in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
SOURCE: Christian Post, Dennis Lennox
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