Gjerpen Church

Historie

Gjerpen Church is located at Skien in Telemark, Norway. The church is the main church of Gjerpen prestegjeld. It is one of the oldest churches in Norway; it is believed the church was consecrated 28 May 1153 to the apostles Peter and Paul. The 850th anniversary was celebrated in 2003.The church has a long history and is considered a national treasure. The church and its inventory is officially preserved by law as are all buildings built before the Protestant Reformation of 1537. The extended parts built after this time is also preserved. The church is a Romanesque style with a cruciform plan church after the later additions, meaning it main top section is shaped like a Latin or Greek cross. It is built with a tower over the western entrance of the church . The church was extended in 1781 and 1871.The new interior was made by Emanuel Vigeland, this includes the mosaic "Den bortkomne sønns hjemkomst", glasspaintings, pulpit, baptismal font, benches, lamps and a bronze relief that was drawn in the 1920s. Architects in later time have included Christian Christie and Harald Bødtker.