One of the key elements of the Klemenskirke excavation is the pallet – which may be the first place where the body of Olav the Holy appeared.

“It will be a special experience to take it down. What’s hiding in it and below it? “Says Anna Petersèn, project manager for the excavation at Klemenskirken.

Survey
In recent weeks, the archaeologists of the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) have dug down, which has freed the church walls and pallet.

– All elements have been accurately documented with photo scanning, measurement and verification. From the photo shoot we have made 3D models of a mixed plan photo from different angles, says Petersèn.

In addition, each stone has been drawn up, both syllstein walls, which are the stones that have supported the wooden church, and the pallet in section and detail.

Stone for stone
After all this documentation, Geir Magnussen from Bakken and Magnussen Restaureringsverkstad began to systematically pack down the church garden stone for stone. The stone layers have been re-measured and photographed.

“Both the southern brick wall and the northern wall of the wall are now taken up, and today (Friday) we have started picking up the pallet,” says Petersèn.

Under the church garden, we expect to come down to the Viking era.

“This is an exciting stage in the excavation and we are very curious about what we will find below,” says Petersèn.

Visitor Center
Stones from the church garden are packed on wooden pallets and shipped to a warehouse. Here they are to be stored in storage before the church is to be rebuilt in a prominent visitor center.

The excavation will last until mid-July and is financed by the Rikasintikvaren.