Places with a story
Nannestad kirke
Nannestad kirke contains medieval stonework within a church substantially enlarged in 1693. Its long local history now meets an active conservation project, with the parish reporting a temporary interior closure during autumn 2026.
About the place1
The church stands on a low rise in the agricultural landscape near the Leira river. The historic survey describes a rectangular nave, lower chancel and octagonal roof turret. Its medieval dedication to John the Baptist and association with Nannestad farm connect the building with the naming and history of the parish.
History and local connections1
The church appears in the account of the battle at Låke in 1240. Rebuilding completed in 1693 enlarged the older stone church while retaining parts of its fabric. A medieval soapstone font survives, alongside later carved furnishings, making the interior evidence of several periods rather than an untouched medieval room.
What to look for12
Look at the relationship between the nave and narrower chancel, and the inscriptions associated with the 1693 rebuilding. When access resumes, the preserved font and later furnishings provide a way to compare medieval craft with post-Reformation church art. Conservation work is itself part of keeping these layers available to future visitors.
Plan your visit2
The parish states that the church is closed from 31 August through November 2026 for interior repairs. Services and ceremonies move to other churches, although burials may continue in the churchyard. Check the parish notice for changes or reopening before planning to enter; do not rely on the general parish calendar alone.
Sources
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