Kirketoggen

Kirketoggen is a term used to describe a relatively small, rural church in Norway, particularly in the western regions of the country. These churches have a distinctive design that originated in the Middle Ages. Typically, kirketoggen measure between 2 and 6 meters in length, with a rectangular shape and a small, often pointed or round, apse.

Their construction is believed to have been influenced by the Romanesque style prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. However, local conditions and limitations in resources may have contributed to the strict simplicity and relatively uniform design seen in these structures. In keeping with the tradition of Christian worship during this period, the facilities are usually simple and sparsely decorated.

While larger churches in Norway boasted elaborate stonework and intricate details, kirketoggen were not equipped with expensive architectural features. This holds true even for those churches that were built later, as the architectural influences and the evolving needs of the Christian community did not acquire the elaborate embellishments seen in their larger counterparts.

Virtual to real-store changes in architecture were probably encouraged by necessities associated with the organization of physical congregating. Geological factors probably also affected building strategies as notably uncovered during kirketoggen excavations.

It is assumed on the basis of its layout that the kirketoggen is based on pre-existing communal gatherings.