Alesund Cemetery

The church doors were locked today. Rather odd for a Sunday, but at least we were able to explore the churchyard.

Many of the oldest graves are cast iron and flush to the ground. I enjoyed seeing a cast iron cherub peeking through wild strawberry blossoms.

Nordic crows squawked high in the trees as swallows swooped low, snatching bugs from the air even during the steady drizzle. It smelled so fresh. We didn’t miss having an umbrella.

One pair of bas reliefs feature his and her birds. (His seems to be a gull of some sort!)

Another bas relief has a beautiful ouroboros (snake eating its tail) on top.

I even took an accidental selfie! Black marble is so reflective. I just wanted to show that some of the battery powered candles are lit.

One unusual cast iron marker features what appears to be a wasp emerging from a cocoon. Butterflies are often used to represent a soul’s transformation and resurrection, but it’s the first time I’ve seen a wasp!Læs mere