Sola ruinkyrkje - The middle age Church of Sola
Perched on a hill with splendid views overlooking Sola Beach and the sea, you'll find an old medieval church dating back to the 12th century.
The middle age church of Sola - Ruinkyrkja - was built in the 12th century and was in use until 1842 when it began to deteriorate. The church mark a part of the Viking history in Sola, and it's thought that the church might have been built on the site where the Viking chieftain Erling Skjalgsson had his farm. The two standing stones - bauta steiner - outside the church signify the area's connection to Erling Skjalgsson and his wife Astrid Trygvesdotter.
After 1842, the church stood as a ruin until it was purchased by the artist Johan Bennetter in 1871. He converted the church into a residence and studio, which was used as such until 1907. Afterward, the church once again stood as a ruin. Large parts of the church were demolished during World War II. In the 1980s, restoration work began, a collaboration between the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage and Sola Municipality, and the current ruin church was completed in 1995. Since then, the church has been frequently visited, hosting concerts and other gatherings. The ruin church is also one of the region's most popular venues for weddings.
The church has a capacity for 68 people and there is parking close by. Please feel free to contact us with questions about tours, guiding or rentals.
Photo: Flemming Stene and Gry Isabel Sannes
