that the timber used for building the present church was cut in 1137. Also, Sverris saga makes no mention of the burning of this church at the time the town was burned. Consequently, it is now assumed that the church was built around 1140–1150 and that the second church burned down before that in a different fire. During the 13th century, the church was enlarged to the west by adding about to the nave. After that addition, the nave measured about . In 1625, the choir was renovated and enlarged. Also, around that time, the covered corridor that encircled the church was removed and some small windows were added to the nave. Over the centuries, there have been several restoration projects have taken place both inside the church and on the exterior. A major reconstruction was carried out in 1862, which has been called a "brutal modernization". New rows of windows were cut into the sides of the church, white exterior panelling was installed and dark roof tiles covered the old shingle roof. In 1959–1960, a restoration was carried out and many of the 1862 changes were undone and it was brought back to its 17th century look. The pulpit, altarpiece, and baptismal font that are in the church date back to the 1620s or 1630s. In 1984, composer Arne Nordheim was inspired by the neumes and the sound of the medieval bells in Kaupanger stave church in composing the work Klokkesong, which was first performed inside the church as part of the 800th commemoration of the Battle of Fimreite. Media gallery See also List of churches in Bjørgvin References External links Kaupanger stave church Stavkirke.info Kaupanger stave church Fortidsminneforeninga's information page Sogndal Churches in Vestland Long churches in Norway Stave churches in Norway Wooden churches in Norway 12th-century churches in Norway 12th-century establishments in Norway Buildings and structures owned by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments