• Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
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Preserving Norwegian Stave Churches

Stave Churches are an important part of Norway's heritage. Discover how Norwegian Stave Churches have been restored and preserved.

3,597 enrolled on this course

The portal at Torpo Stave Church

Preserving Norwegian Stave Churches

3,597 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

What are the challenges of preserving Stave Churches? Find out on this course.

Stave Churches in Norway are admired worldwide for their rich history and intricate architecture. Some have been standing for almost 1,000 years and one, the Urnes Stave Church, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On this course, you will explore what makes Norwegian Stave Churches unique and how they have been preserved.

You will learn the definition of Stave Churches and what makes them different from each other. With real-life examples, you will explore the traditional craftmanship and tools used to restore Stave Churches in Norway, as well as understand the challenges in preserving them.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 4 seconds What is a Stave Church – who built them and how? How have they survived nearly 1000 years in a harsh climate – many of them still in use as parish churches? How come we still know so little about how they were built and by whom? How do we best preserve structures of this kind, and what can we learn from the methods, tools and materials used in the past? In this on-line course you will be introduced to the Norwegian Stave Churches - a fascinating group of only 28 remaining Medieval wooden structures of their kind. They are Norway’s contribution to world architecture – unique in their design and construction method.

Skip to 0 minutes and 50 seconds My name is Anne Nyhamar, and this is my colleague is Sjur Mehlum and we will be your guides on this journey to find out more.

What topics will you cover?

  • The definition of a Stave Church
  • Different types of Stave Churches
  • Challenges in preserving Stave Churches
  • Examples of restoring Stave Churches

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the characteristics of a Stave Church
  • Explain the remaining groups of Stave Churches in Norway
  • Reflect upon the challenges in preserving the Norwegian Stave Churches
  • Explore a national cultural heritage initiative exemplified by the Norwegian Stave Church Restoration Programme

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in Stave Churches in Norway and how they have been restored.

Who will you learn with?

Anne is a Senior Advisor in the Section for International Issues at Riksantikvaren - The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage.

Sjur worked for many years at Riksantikvaren - The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage. He is now Head of section at Multiconsult

Who developed the course?

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

NTNU is the largest of the eight universities in Norway, and, as its name suggests, has the main national responsibility for higher education in engineering and technology.

The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage

The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage is responsible for the management of all archaeological and architectural monuments and sites and cultural environments in accordance with relevant legislation.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 2 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

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