To the question about cult of St. Sunniva and its relationship with the stone Church architecture of Western Norway from the end of XI to the first half of XIV century

St. Sunniva is the first Norwegian saint, the only female in the Norwegian Church and the patron of Western Norway. The main purpose of the paper is the research of the cult of St. Sunniva and her relation with the cult stone architecture of Western Norway XI-XIV centuries. To begin with the author studies the history of Sunniva's legend and she gives the main information about her life and future fate of her remains. She pays attention to the social and political context in which the cult has developed. It is important for understanding causes of the development of this cult in Western Norway. Then the author moves on to one of the important issue of this article concerning the relationship of the cult of St. Sunniva with stone church architecture from the end of XI to the first half of XIV century of Western Norway. The article traces back the history of construction of four stone cultic buildings. Three of them are monastic churches of Benedictine Order, such as, St. Alban, Nonneseter and Munkeliv. Also she analysis Christ church in Bergen which, according to the author, built by English masons who accessory to the erection of the above mentioned monument. These churches were linked with the cult of St. Sunniva and Benedictine Order which was one of the most influence church organizations in Norway at that time. The author investigates the influences of the English, German and Lombard architectural schools on the Norwegian architecture. Note that new construction technology, methods of erection of stone churches, some forms and design were introduced by English masons who appeared with the first missionaries in the 11 century. The paper discusses the relationship between Lund and Bergen and defines the significance of Rhine-Lombard style in the Norwegian architecture. Summarize the history of the cult of St. Sunniva connected with the activities of the English monks. Compositional techniques, interior design and decorative elements of stone churches of Western Norway show the link with architecture of Benedictine Order which was based on Anglo-Norman samples. In addition, the decorative elements of the Norwegian churches of the 12-13 centuries refer us to the architecture of Lombardy and Rhine. Since the mid-12th century Cathedral of Christ in Bergen became a sample for the parish and monastic churches of Western Norway. This leads to the development of certain architectural regularities.

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