Giske Church

At the saga island Giske the remarkable Giske Church is situated. The 900 year old church is the only one in Norway built in marble, and belonged to the powerful noble family Giske. The beautiful interior is from the 18th century.

Visit one of Norway's most remarkable churches at the island Giske. The saga island holds the famous Giske Church, built in the 12th century. Today the church is Norway's only marble church, and is still in full use.

The church was built as a private chapel for the mighty noble family Giske, known as "Arnungane". The family was one of Norway's richest, and every other year the historical play "Giskespelet" is performed on an outdoors amphitheatre right by the church. The play tells us the story of how members of the Giske family were to play parts in important events in Norwegian history.

There are a lot of dramatic stories connected to Giske Church, and the beautiful interior was made by the local craftsman "Tavle-Jacob" in the 18th century, after the church had been neglected for a long period of time. The symbolism in the colourful interior is both moving and grand, and a visit will give you a priceless insight into Norwegian church art in the 18th century.

The church also has its own love legend, and there is a marble grave in front of the church where one of the unfortunate lovers is said to be buried.