elected people called "electors" who later met together in each county to elect the representatives for the assembly that was to meet in Eidsvoll later that year. Mariakirken The smaller of the churches is Mariakirken (St. Mary Church), a single nave church, which either acted as a monastic church or a church for the local Gran parish. It was built sometime before 1150, and contains Romanesque and Gothic elements. After the Reformation, this church was typically only used a few times per year. In 1813, the church was struck by lightning which caused a fire that gutted the church. There were no funds to fix the church, so it sat in ruins until 1859. In 1859, the church was repaired by adding a new roof and new windows as well as a new tower. The reason for this rebuilding was so that this church could be used while the Nikolaikirken was to be closed for a renovation. The church was restored in 1912-1915 and it was used as a burial chapel. In 1990-1992 the church was restored and renovated again and since then has been used as a parish church. It can seat around 150 people. Churchyard In the southeastern part of the churchyard there is a medieval stone tower, , the original function of which is unknown. It is possible that the tower, which from the mid-19th century was used as a bell-tower, was originally used as a defence tower or refuge. The 11th century Granavollen Runestone can be found behind the Nikolaikirken. The towers of the Søsterkirkene form the base coat of arms to Gran Municipality. Noted poet and journalist, Aasmund Olafsson Vinje, is buried in the cemetery of Søsterkirkene. A monument with a bust of Vinjes by sculptor Brynjulf Bergslien was erected at the site. Media gallery See also List of churches in Hamar References External links Sister churches picture gallery at Remains.se Gran, Norway Churches in Innlandet Long churches in Norway Stone churches in Norway 12th-century churches in Norway 12th-century establishments in Norway Norwegian election church