In 996, Olav Tryggvason came across the earthly remains of Sankt Sunniva and built a church on “the eternal island facing Stadhavet” – Selja. At least that’s what the legend says. Since then, the myth has “lost” against archaeologists who have dated the Sunni church to 1068, i.e. quite a while after Olav Tryggvason lived (approx. 960 – 999). But now there are signs that science and legend can put disagreement behind them. In a startling twist, archaeologists have found signs that the Sunni church has an “English” and older lower body. – The main conclusion is that this building phase (the foundation wall) must be older, writes NIKU archaeologist Regin Meyer in an article about the find. He further writes that “so far” there is no basis for an exact date. He nevertheless suggests that the original church may be as old as Olav Tryggvason. – It seems likely that craftsmanship expertise has been acquired by the client from the other side of the North Sea, he writes. NTNU Science Museum Sankt Sunniva Sankt Sunniva is a Norwegian saint. In the Middle Ages, Sunniva was one of the three most prominent saints in Norway, alongside Olav the Saint and Saint Hallvard. NIKU Olav Kyrre established the first bishop’s seat at Selja in 1068 In connection with the conservation of the Sunni church, investigations of the masonry have been carried out. The work has been carried out on behalf of Stad kommune. The National Antiquities Anglo-Saxon stone church may be Norway’s oldest The investigations by the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NÌKU) show that the “substructure” has brickwork that is characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon building tradition, and therefore older than what was previously assumed. The news is widely reported in the local press, who write that it may be about “the oldest church in the country”. NIKU Legenda about SunnivaAccording to the legend, Sunniva was born in the middle of the 20th century as the daughter of an Irish, Christian king. In order to avoid being married off to a heathen, she left land together with a small traveling party divided into three ships that followed the ocean currents to the north, without oars or sails. NIKU HID IN A HOLE After a storm, Sunniva’s ship ran aground on Selja. Sunniva and her entourage hid in a cave to avoid being caught, but rocks fell down in front of the cave and sent their souls to heaven. – This is very exciting news about the old church wall being received with great appetite among Norwegian historians. – This is very exciting, says Sigrun Berg, who is professor of ancient history at the Department of Archeology (UiT). – Selja is an almost mythical place, with many layers of history. It is not surprising to find even older finds than those we know from before, but very interesting, says Ola Fjeldheim of the Antiquities Association. He adds: – This shows that we still have a lot to learn about our history, also in the places that have been well researched in the past. – Discoveries like this show how important it is that we have an eye with us, so that we can add new pieces to the puzzle that is our own history. In total, around 300 stone churches were built in Norway in the Middle Ages. Most of these were set up after the archdiocese of Nidaros was established in 1152. In February, the government presented a multibillion-dollar investment to save the 159 remaining stone churches from crumbling. At Selja, there are remains of a bishop’s church, a Catholic monastery, a terrace on the mountainside and a pilgrimage church. In addition, there is a cave with the chapel where Sankta Sunniva and the Seljemennene, according to old parchment, were martyred. Photo: NIKU – Will disturb the experience of being seen back in time Selja was last in the news when Stad kommune opened to allow fish farming in the sea area around the monastery. – Such a facility will destroy the visual horizon and disrupt the experience of being seen a thousand years back in time, said the bishop. He added: – Here we have a conflict with commercial interests and timeless, spiritual values. If the municipality’s ambition is to become an important destination for pilgrims, they must show that they manage the great heritage that the monastery island represents. The legend of Saint Sunniva According to the legend, Sunniva was born in the middle of the 9th century as the daughter of an Irish, Christian king. In order to avoid being married off to a heathen, she left land together with a small traveling party divided into three ships that followed the ocean currents to the north, without oars or sails. After a storm, Sunniva’s ship ran aground on Selja. The locals were non-Christian, and thought the traveling party had stolen sheep. Sunniva and her entourage hid in a cave so as not to be taken by Jarl Håkon and his army, and stones fell down in front of the cave and sent their souls to heaven. After a pillar of light appeared on the beach, the body of the blessed virgin and martyr Sunniva was found safe and sound among the remains of her companions. Store Norske Leksikon Others have been worried that the plans to establish a pilgrimage center in the municipality involve mixing what should be kept strictly separate: business and religion. Criticism gained momentum after an unfortunate wording that the “monastery product” could stimulate more tourism and contribute to greater income in the local community. – The Pilgrim Center will destroy Selja, said Eivind Luthen, leader of the St. Jakob Pilgrim Community and author of the book Selja – The Sunni cult and the pilgrimage target. – The discoveries underline the importance of building archeology The new discovery at Selja is seen in connection with the Northern Seafaring in the transition from the Viking Age to the Christian era. – These discoveries underline the importance of building archeology as an integral part of the conservation of older buildings in order to be able to identify and secure a valuable source material, says Regin Meyer at NIKU. Published 01.07.2024, at 14.16
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Older church uncovered – news Vestland
