The Pilgrimage Center at Røldal Stave Church, designed by Lund+Slaatto Architects, seeks to reconcile a complex program under the same roof. The building is both a defined end point for the pilgrims and tourists and a gathering place for the locals. The building is present as an object, while remaining deferential to the stave church and the cemetery. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The stave church in Røldal is a wood church dating from between 1200 and 1250, and is the only stave church in Norway that is still in active use today. In the Middle ages it became an important centre for pilgrims, who came to venerate the crucifix above the main alter. In the last decade there has been a revival of the pilgrimages to Røldal.
