Sólarhöll
A gathering place for worshippers of Mirimae to bask in her warmth, and cherish the reverence of the sun.
Purpose / Function
The primary purpose of Sólarhöll, upon its consecration over 2,000 years ago, was to serve as a sacred site for the veneration of the sun and the celestial bodies that govern the passage of time. Initially, it was a place where devotees would gather to perform rituals, offer prayers, and seek solace in the warm, golden light that illuminated the sanctuary. Over the centuries, the purpose of the church has undergone a subtle transformation. As the world around it changed, the church became a symbol of community, a hub for social gatherings, and a beacon of hope during times of turmoil. While its core function remains unchanged, its role in the lives of the faithful has expanded to encompass a broader sense of spirituality and connection.
Among other more spiritual reasons, the church also offers a respite from the bitter cold outside. Worship of Mirimae is prevalent in the frozen north. Disciples of the sun goddess pray specifically for protection from the cold and blessings of warmer temperatures. The sanctuary inside the church is even rumored to emit a warm glow during services, believed to be Mirimae herself showering her devout followers with a warm acknowledgement.
A view of the sanctuary inside Sólarhöll
Alterations
Significant modifications have been made to the church since its original construction. Some of the most notable changes include:
- The addition of the Astral Tower (circa 848 AD): A soaring spire that now rises from the center of the church, housing an elaborate orrery and a series of celestial observation decks.
- The installation of stained glass windows (circa 1006 AD): Vibrant, kaleidoscopic panes that filter the sunlight, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the interior and imbuing the space with an otherworldly ambiance.
- The construction of the Solarium (circa 1280 AD): A grand, sun-filled chamber with a retractable roof, allowing worshippers to bask in the direct rays of the sun during sacred ceremonies.
- The incorporation of intricate stone carvings (circa 1452 AD): Delicate, lace-like patterns that adorn the columns, archways, and vaulted ceilings, telling the story of the church's history and the myths of the ancients.
Architecture
Sólarhöll is an exemplary model of Solarian Architecture, a style that emphasizes the use of natural light, curves, and sweeping lines to create a sense of ethereal wonder. The building's design is characterized by:
- A central nave, lined with columns and topped with a vaulted ceiling, which funnels the gaze upward toward the heavens.
- Radiating chapels, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the sun or celestial body, and adorned with corresponding symbols and iconography.
- The Astral Tower, which rises like a shining needle, piercing the sky and drawing the eye toward the infinite.
The interior of Sólarhöll, showcasing the natural rays of sunlight cascading through the stained glass windows
History
Sólarhöll has been a silent witness to the unfolding of history, its stone walls bearing testament to the triumphs and tribulations of the faithful. Some notable events include:
- The Great Solar Conjunction (circa 902 AD): A rare celestial event, in which the planets aligned in a spectacular display of astronomical wonder, and which was commemorated by the church's clergy with elaborate rituals and festivities.
- The Winter of the Long Night (circa 1112 AD): A period of unusual cold and darkness, during which the church served as a beacon of hope, providing shelter, warmth, and spiritual sustenance to the beleaguered population.
- Creation of The Council of the Sun (circa 1350 AD): A gathering of prominent scholars, theologians, and astronomers, who convened within the church to discuss the mysteries of the universe and the nature of the divine.
Tourism
As you step through the grand entrance, a warm, golden light spills upon you, reminiscent of the sun's radiance. The air is filled with the sweet scent of old stone and the faint hint of frankincense, carried on the whispers of the faithful.
The nave, the central pathway, stretches before you, lined with pillars that rise like sentinels, their capitals adorned with intricate carvings of solar motifs and celestial bodies. The vaulted ceiling, a masterpiece of medieval engineering, soars above, its ribbed arches and slender columns creating a sense of weightlessness, as if the very heavens had been lifted to shelter the congregation.
The stained glass windows, a kaleidoscope of colors, filter the outside light, casting a kaleidoscope of hues across the stone floor. Images of suns, moons, and stars dance across the glass, their vibrant colors infused with a deep, mystical significance. The windows, a testament to the artisans of yore, seem to come alive as the sun moves across the sky, casting an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow.
The altar, a majestic structure of marble and gold, stands at the far end of the nave, its surface adorned with symbols of the sun and the celestial bodies. A magnificent sunburst rose window above the altar, a masterpiece of Gothic craftsmanship, explodes with radiance, its delicate petals unfolding like a celestial bloom.
To the left of the altar, a chapel dedicated to the veneration of the moon, with its own stained glass window, featuring a glowing, silver crescent, casts an ethereal glow. The chapel's walls are lined with tombs, adorned with the effigies of past clergy and notable faithful, their stone faces serene, as if basking in the gentle light of the moon.
The pulpit, a sturdy, ornate structure, stands to the right of the altar, its carved wooden panels depicting scenes of celestial wonder: comets, shooting stars, and the majestic sun. The pulpit seems to be a nexus, a focal point where the divine and the mortal converge.
As your gaze wanders, you notice the nave's flooring, made of polished stone, reflecting the colors of the stained glass windows, creating an immersive experience, as if the very heavens had been brought down to earth.
Founding Date
111 AD
Alternative Names
Solaria Sanctuarium - Hall of The Sun
Type
Cathedral / Great temple
Parent Location
Included Locations
Owning Organization
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