Silla del Moro, Granada, Spain - SpottingHistory.com

Photo from Flickr, copyright Erik Christensen, Porkeri

Historic Site of the week

Kirkjubøargarður

Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.

The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.

Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.

The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.

Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.

Radu Mindru (2 years ago)
Perfect place to see a red sunset over Alhambra!

Artur Lewandowski (2 years ago)
Visit this place, it has an excellent and picturesque view on the Alhambra.

June Jackson (2 years ago)
Fantastic views and a lovely walk up.

Heidy Brunner (2 years ago)
Nice view to the Alhambra. But not on the entrance they permite dogs. There is no seat on the entrance to wait with the dog while my husband went in to see. The Guardian called immediatly the Police when I steped trough the dor!! Not tourist kindly!!

John Root (3 years ago)
Fine views of the Al Hambra from a place where the tourists don't usually go. Pay parking at the top of the hill in a car park and then a 1km walk up a rough road to the top. Well worth the effort. Silla del Moro itself is only open on Saturdays and Sundays but the view out over Al Hambra and Grenada is superb and well worth the walk.

Silla del Moro

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

History of Guernsey & Jersey

Most beautiful castles in Lithuania

Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Portugal

Historic Site of the week

Kirkjubøargarður

Looks like you are a history fan!