Yesterday Mark and I took the bus to Kirkjubøur on the southern tip of the island of Streymoy. It is famous for the ruins of St. Magnus Katedralur, or St. Magnus Cathedral, which dates from the thirteenth century. The cathedral walls remain as the roof was never built, however information at the site now offers the possibility that a roof may once have been completed. Ongoing restoration attempts to preserve the stone from the damp and wind. Fifteen years ago I attempted to hike to Kirkjubøur following a marked trail from Tórshavn over the mountain but lost my way in the fog (as it was indeed a foggy day for a hike) as I ended up far too high to make an easy descent. I could however see the site from the side of the mountain. Thus I never got to see Kirkjubøur up close. I am glad Mark and I made the adventure together.
Next to the cathedral are Ólavskirkjan, or St. Olav’s Church, dating from the twelfth century, and Kirkjubøargarður, the farmhouse, dating from the eleventh century, which has been occupied by the Patursson family for seventeen generations.
The farmhouse and St. Magnus Cathedral
St. Magnus Cathedral from the outside and inside
The farmhouse
St. Olav’s Church
Kirkjubøur site
Me not mailing anything (yet)
This sheep must have sat down in a bucket of bleach
Sheep in the way