Discovery of novel aspects in medieval Estonian church unveiled through conservation student research
New Discoveries in Kirbla Church: A Glimpse into Estonia's Medieval Past
Nestled in the picturesque Laäneranna Municipality, Kirbla Church has captured the attention of scholars and enthusiasts alike. This medieval stone church, located along the Risti-Virtsu-Kuivastu Highway in Western Estonia, is the country's smallest medieval parish church, holding a unique place in Estonia's religious and architectural history.
Recently, Kirbla Church has been the focus of conservation studies conducted by students from the Estonian Academy of Arts. These studies, ongoing for some time, have yielded a wealth of fascinating information about the church's earlier appearance and furnishings.
According to Randla, the church was once decorated much more lavishly than its current relatively austere finish. Impressive discoveries include imitation stonework on the triumphal arch, columns supporting the organ loft painted with a marble imitation, and the ribs of the vault painted with a hourglass bone pattern—a medieval finish.
The students have meticulously examined the church's ceilings and vaults millimeter by millimeter, uncovering new details about the church's original appearance. Parts where less information was uncovered or that aren't worth leaving exposed will be restored to their previous condition.
One of the most intriguing findings is a keystone above the vault of Kirbla Church, which bears a coat of arms that was once painted in colour. The organ loft, columns, manor owners' box, and pastor's box in the chancel all belonged to a single whole in the church's earlier appearance.
The interior environment of Kirbla Church was previously very damp and in poor condition, but has since been improved with an automatic ventilation system. This improvement ensures the preservation of the uncovered material and the church's structural integrity.
These conservation studies, while a practical educational experience for the students, also serve to raise awareness about the value of Kirbla Church as a cultural monument. Over the past two decades, students from the Estonian Academy of Arts have conducted conservation studies on around 20 churches in total.
Randla stated that the most interesting finds will be left visible for everyone to see, offering a glimpse into Estonia's rich medieval past. Kirbla Church, with its newfound secrets, stands as a vital link to the past in Laäneranna Municipality and underscores the importance of preserving Estonia's cultural heritage.
The conservation studies being conducted by students from the Estonian Academy of Arts on Kirbla Church have contributed to advancements in both science and education-and-self-development, as they uncover new details about the church's original appearance and history. These findings, such as the keystone and the colorful coat of arms, help contribute to online-education resources for those interested in Estonia's medieval past by offering a closer look at this significant cultural monument.
