About

Kapitelberget in Skien is a fascinating and protected area that combines unique cultural history with exceptional natural history. Here lie the remains of a rare Medieval crypt church, built directly atop a 430 million-year-old fossil coral reef. This makes Kapitelberget one of the most special sites in the region for geologists and history enthusiasts alike.

Cultural History: The Rare Crypt Church

The church ruin at Kapitelberget is a rarity in Norway.

Construction Date: The church was likely erected in the 12th century.
Purpose: It probably served as a holy site for a powerful local family.
Crypt Church: This was a crypt church, meaning it featured a crypt beneath the altar. The crypt was typically used for the storage of relics.
National Rarity: Only four such churches are known in Norway.
Building Material: The foundation stones making up the ruin's walls were likely sourced from the immediate areas surrounding Kapitelberget.

Natural History: Fossils from the Silurian Period

The foundation of the church is a geological marvel – a coral reef dating back to the Silurian Period, over 430 million years ago.

Earth's Condition: During the Silurian Period, the continental fragment containing Norway (Baltica) was located south of the equator. The area was covered by a shallow, crystal-clear sea.

Living Conditions: These were excellent conditions for corals and other marine life. It was also during this period that life on land began to develop.

Typical Fossils: At Kapitelberget, visitors can find typical fossil remains of:

  • Sea lilies (crinoids)
  • Honeycomb corals (tabulate corals)
  • Cup corals (rugose corals)
  • Chain corals
  • Stromatoporoids (an extinct type of sponge)

Protected Area: Preserving the Heritage

Kapitelberget is a protected area established to conserve both the unique church ruin and the invaluable fossils.

We ask all visitors to help us take care of this special place. This includes not removing fossils or damaging the church ruin. Please respect the rules for movement within a protected cultural and natural site.