Atheists such as myself are not excluded from the admiration of churches, cathedrals, etc; in fact we probably count amongst their most devoted fans, as we admire from a different perspective.
Iceland is NOT on my list of countries to visit, but if it was, this little church at Hof would certainly be on my itinerary.
I've always loved turf covered cottages and other buildings, and this small church is a classic example. The grass lies on top of a stone slab roof, supported by hefty beams. Outside, the 'bumps' in the foreground are of course ancient graves.
The interior is as simple as one would hope and imagine. A few uncomfortable pews for the audience, a plain pulpit for delivering the fire and brimstone, and a picture of the CEO behind the simple altar. Sky blue ceiling, bull's blood coloured pews, and a relaxing natural olive green for the pulpit and screen are the chosen colours. It really is a beautiful little building.
The church, which was built in 1884, was the last one of its type to have been built in Iceland. Today it is a national monument, but is still used for weekly services.
In its way, just as admirable as the greatest painted churches of Rome.
45 comments:
Where is it? Iceland or Finland.... there’s an ocean of difference between them....
Woops.... I've altered it. Thanks.
It's brilliant. It looks like it is half submerged in a bog.
A ship in a turbulent green sea.
I'm with you all the way.
Charming inside and out.
Absolutely.
Tricky mowing that roof.
Haha...trust Sue to say that!
It is very pretty. No need of loudspeakers.
Greetings Maria x
Put the Sheep on it.
Lady M's Swedish family, back in Sweden, have one of those little red painted houses on a small island. The grass roof was always home to Adders; not nice!
And a maximum audience of about 30.
What a lovely space, and I like that the graves are grassy hillocks and not covered in tombstones which have gone higgledy piggledy with age. All very simple, and all very nice.
Gorgeous, love it. How do they keep that grass down though? sheep? rabbits?
It couldn't have been better if they'd planned it that way.
They surely can't mow it, so I suppose they leave it to the wildlife.
Wonder landscape. The look like grass dumplings.
Lovely light on that little church. Almost holy, one might say.
That's just the place I used to dream of living in. Now, of course, I would need all the utility services rather than the religious ones.
How lovely ... it reminds me of St Govan's Chapel in Pembrokeshire. XXXX
Or eggs under a green blanket.
Don't get all religious on me!
It would make a very cosy home.
I bet the vicar has a shaped beard with no moustache.
St Govan's is beautiful too. Was it for fishermen?
And a wide brimmed black hat.
It's lovely. I didn't know such places exist.
The house sounds like something I've always hankered for but not the Adders - ugh!
It looks like a scene from a fairytale. Iceland is getting a lot of press here lately as a place to visit. I have a few acquaintances who are planning a vacation there this year.
A lovely place. Dreamy, causing my mind to create stories of people who once lived and worshiped there.
I'm not sure Cro ... I have been in it ... I think it was just for the local people. XXXX
It's almost Hobbit Land.
I think it's perfect for people who don't like beach holidays.
I bet they were God-Fearing folk.
What a beautiful church Cro. Iceland is certainly on my list but I doubt I shall ever get there now with my mobility problem.
It is a fabulous looking place though....
One of my favourite churches (again as an atheist) is the very simple church built by Italian PoWs in Orkney from Nissan Shelter corrugated iron sheets.
What a picture! At first glance I thought it was one of those kitschy paintings by Thomas Kincade, but when it turned out to be a photograph I saw it differently.
This is so charming and earthy. I love it, thanks for sharing it with us.
I've only been in Iceland in the middle of the night, in the airport, on the way back and forth to Scotland. The best thing about it was the beer and frites. So this little building gives me new hope. xx
Iceland is beautiful. Been twice and looks like a third trips may be happening.
The colours are fantastic. The mosses and lichens vary from red to green to orange.
Who needs beaches when there are natural hotsprings everywhere.
Just avoid the tourist trap known as the Blue Lagoon
Personally I prefer to go south than north, but I'd love to see more of their early culture.
I know the one you mean. The fancy facade, and beautifully painted interior.
Yes, the actual photograph is pretty amazing too.
Well, at least you can say that you've been there. It's a bit like my experience of the USA, and Miami airport.
A radio presenter that I listen to goes there whenever he can, and extols its virtues non stop. I'm almost tempted.
you don't have to be religious to appreciate the architecture and the spirit of the place
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