Traces of pilgrimages
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We are now standing next to the entrance door which is behind the choir stalls in the church, here we can find traces of the church as a pilgrimage site. Pilgramages to Giske started with a letter that arrived from Pope Clements VI in 1345. In the letter he gave 100 days of exemption from sin, for all the faithful who came here to the Church to worship on Holy days. It was usual that churches were devoted to saints at that time. Giske church was devoted to the Virgin Mary, Nicholas the Confessor and John the Evangelist. Physical traces of pilgrimages were found during restoration work at Giske Church. Under many layers of limestone, crosses were discovered carved into the marble walls. It was custom that pilgrims in the Middle Ages carved crosses into the walls and then kissed them. Assuredly as a visible sign that sins were forgiven.