Medieval monks
cared for the sick
Skriðuklaustur is open
26/5-19/8 10.00-18.00
and 20/8-16/9 12.00-17.00
At other times by arrangement
39 km from Egilsstaðir
Homepage
www.skriduklaustur.is
      
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In 1493 an Augustinian monastery was founded at Skriða in Fljótsdalur (Skriðuklaustur = Skriða Monastery). It remained active until the monasteries were dissolved at the Reformation in 1550. It was the only religious house in the east of Iceland, and the last to be founded before the Reformation. A fine statue of the Virgin Mary from the monastery is among the greatest treasures of the National Museum of Iceland. A replica is on display at Skriðuklaustur. Archaeological excavations on the monastery site since 2002 have revealed extensive buildings on a site 1,200m² in area. The buildings indicate that the one of the monastery’s main functions was to aid the sick and poor. In the Gunnar Gunnarsson House is an exhibition on the monastery of Skriða, including archaeological finds. Guided tours of the archaeological site are available every day in summer, and at other times by arrangement. |
