- Address: Christiania Torv 0157 Oslo Norway
One of the most visited places in the Norwegian capital is Christiania Square, or Market Square. It was named after the beloved King of the country - Christian Fourth, who founded Oslo . It was he who decided to encircle the city with bastions, connecting them with the Akershus stronghold and creating a single defensive complex. The monarch forbade building wooden houses to avoid a fire, besides it is noteworthy that all the streets are perpendicular to each other.
Description of sight
The area of Christiania is considered the center of Oslo. In her very heart, since 1997, there is a fountain, famous all over the world, made in the form of a large glove. This is the work of the famous sculptor Fredrik Gulbradsen, which is a piece from the wardrobe of the king, pointing to the place where the capital of the country will be laid.
Earlier in this part of the city prospered merchants settled. They built two-story mansions, many of which are perfectly preserved to the present day. In the Christiania Square there are other historical buildings, for example:
- An ancient town hall , in which the city authorities met from 1641 to 1733. In the XIX century, the institution passed the Supreme Court, and after a while the building almost completely burned down. After the restoration and up to the present days there is a cozy restaurant and an interesting Theater Museum.
- Manor Ratmans (a member of the magistrate) - it is distinguished by its multi-colored facade, made of special bricks, and is considered the oldest building in Oslo. The building was erected in 1626 for Loritz Hanson, a member of the city council. Then there was a university library here, and later a garrison hospital. Today it hosts the Association of Artists, exhibitions often take place, and authors from all over the country gather for meetings. There is also a cafe in the institution.
- Anatomichka is a remarkable half-timbered structure of yellow color, in which the laboratory of the medical university is located. Future doctors are practicing here. In the old days, the building was inhabited by a city executioner, who worked with a plaque near a pillory in the square.
- The Church of St. Halvard - unfortunately, we have reached only the remains of the basement and several ancient tombstones that survived during the fire. The disaster occurred in 1624. There is also a bell, which now adorns the cathedral.
In 1990, under the area of Christiania, an automobile tunnel was laid, and since then it has become a cozy and quiet place without cars and congestion. There are ancient architectural monuments , flower beds and fountains, shops and souvenir shops, and the Akershus Fortress is nearby.
If you are tired and want to relax, have a drink or a snack, then go to one of the restaurant verandas. These institutions convey the spirit of the XVII century, and the dishes served here will not leave anyone indifferent.
How to get there?
Cristiania Square can be reached on foot or by car through the streets: Dronningens gate, Møllergata, Kongens gate, Storgata, Rådhusgata and Kirkegata. There are buses Nos. 12, 13, 19 and 54.