Witches’ Memorial – a memorial for the witchcraft persecutions in Finnmark in the 17th century.
During the period 1600-1692, 91 people were convicted of witchcraft in Finnmark and burned to death at the stake, most of them here in Vardø where the memorial is located.
You can enter the 410-foot-long wooden structure. Inside it is dark, only lit up by small light bulbs hanging from the roof. Each light bulb commemorating a convicted person.
On the walls are short texts about the trial and execution for each of the persons convicted for magic, or witchcraft.
What an incredible photograph!
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Thank you so much! One of my favourites from last summer:)
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Stunning!
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Thank you so much Cindy!
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Wonderful colour, light and reflection in this image, Inger! And what an interesting insight into its being and the history of the area. I awlays find history fascinating.
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Thank you so much Pete! We had good luck with weather and were able to catch the golden hour.
The stories you can read about the witches really makes an impression. A monument well worth a visit.
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Fantastic shot of what must be an impressive monument.
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Much appreciated! It is a monument that makes an impression when you read all the stories displayed inside the building.
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Great picture, well done …
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Amazing picture! It is the first time I hear about a statue erected for witches. Thank you for sharing this history with us Inger.
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I learned about this monument for the first time as well when we visited Vardø. The monument really made an impression. You can read about the stories of the ‘so called’ witches inside the monument. It is well worth a visit.
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Whenever I visit Norway, I will sure visit the monument!
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Wow så vackert! Vilken skärpa och färg 🙂
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Tusen takk Annica! Bildet ble tatt rett ved solnedgang og det ga skikkelig flott gylden farge! 🙂
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Ja läckra färger med solens upp och nedgångar 🙂
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Fantastiskt vackert! Intressant att det finns en minnesplats till ( så kallade) häxor.
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Takk så mye! Jeg var heller ikke klart over at dette minnesmerke fantes før vi besøkte Vardø. Det gjorde inntrykk og lese alle historiene om heksene og hvordan de ble dømt for ‘hekserier’. Vel verdt et besøk!
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Really magic. I mean the light is gorgeous and the way you captured the reflection of the monument makes the photo so captivating.
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Much approached Otto! The monument really made an impression on me. It is well worth a visit.
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What an absolutely stunning photograph! This is so inspiring, cant wait to see more of your future posts, following your right away!
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Than you so much for the lovely comment Chiara! Much appreciated:)
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Great reflections
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Thank you so much Marylou!
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Very eye catching! Great light and fascinating story.
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment!
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Wow! What a breath taking photo
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Impresionante perspectiva, tonos y reflejo!!!!! 🙂
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Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! 🙂
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The light is definitely incredible! I love your pictures!
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment! The golden hour never disappoints when it comes to creating a gorgeous glow:)
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For sure!
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Amazing shot.
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment! 🙂
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Wonderful reflection and light, a lovely composition.
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Thank you so much Ellen! We had good help from the golden hour this day 🙂
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What a magnificent shot. The reflection and the colours are mesmerising. The story is also very interesting.
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Thank you so much Sarmistha! The golden hour never disappoints to give a great colour:)
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I agree. It is magic
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Much appreciated:)
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Was this persecution part of the Catholic Inquisition? I didn’t realise this happened in Scandinavia – and why particularly this are. Lovely photograph as testament.
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Oh…here my poor history knowledge might reveal itself, Chris – but from my understanding the witch hunt processes wasn’t caused by the Catholic Inquisition.
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Really had no idea about this part of Finnish history.. hope I got the right country. Congrats. on being highlighted by WordPress.com
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Thank you so much Jean! I was not sure what was happening, but it had to be something going on because my stats were peaking to new levels:)
This particular photo is from Norway, but the ‘witch hunt’ happened all over Europe around year 1600, Finland included. The sad part however is that processes that can remind of these cruel persecutions exist in some countries today…
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Very beautiful!
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Much appreciated Richard! 🙂
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Amazing photo!
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Thank you so much Jiří! 🙂
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just speechless
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Thank you so much for the awesome comment:)
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The picture and text are both amazing. It’s rare when an image of such beauty is accompanied by a knowledge of history. Thank you!
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Thank you so much the positive feedback Keith! Much appreciated:)
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Such a beautiful photo.
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Thank you. Much appreciated! 🙂
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Wow, this looks amazing!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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You’re welcome 😀
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Amazing image. Sad story.
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Thank you so much! Many sad stories from things humans have done throughout the history, but important to remember to ensure history does not repeat itself.
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What a great shot! Great capture! Beautiful light.
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Thank you so much Gil! 🙂
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The photo is already powerful, but the content makes it more so. Thank you for sharing this piece of history and the existence of this memorial in your blog.
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Thank you Lara! Walking through the building reading the individual stories and learning about the faith of those convicted felt very strong.
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I’ve a sense of what you mean from other experiences I’ve had. The full spectrum of emotions, from elated joy to the sharpness of grief, is so entirely human; needed so we can appreciate the whole (though I always prefer to be in the happy, I won’t lie).
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I could comment on every post (but I won’t dw).. your photography is outstanding, honestly love them all! Check out my blog http://www.thehopefulhitchhiker.com
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment Hannah! 🙂
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This picture does not seem to reflect the sad story behind the place. It looks so stunningly beautiful! ❤
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The architecture is beautiful I think as well – inside is totally different. Dark and a place for reflection.
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Inger … you’ve created magic here yourself. A magnificent and moving photographic image combined with an intriguing bit of history .. the combination of art and story is “spellbinding.” Thank you for your recent visit. Best regards, Lois Bryan
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A great photo of a monument I did not know existed, reminding us of our horrific history.
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Thank you so much Norunn for liking my photo! A darker side of our history, but one we shouldn’t forget to ensure history does not repeat itself.
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I didn’t know they burnt witches even in Norway! Great picture.
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Yes, it happened all over Europe. A darker side of our history I guess. Thank you so much for the lovely comment on my photo:)
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It seems you maybe spend a lot of time around Finnmark? Have you been to Hornøya? I went in 2013 and I am looking forward to returning sometime soon. I have visited this memorial you have captured here, very crazy history in that remote area of Nord Norge.
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Yes I am originally from Finnmark so have spent quite some time there, but mostly the western part. We went to Hornøya last summer, such a great experience. 4 eagles flying above us. Unfortunately we were a bit late in the season so all the puffins had left, so I guess we also have to go back one day:)
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