Bergen Cathedral

• Address: Norway, Hordaland Fylke, Bergen, Domkirkeplassen 1
• Phone: +47 55-59-32-70
• Architect: Christian Christie
• Year of foundation: 1150

In the Norwegian city ​​of Bergen is the homonymous cathedral (Bergen Domkirke), which was built in the Lutheran style. It has a rich history and plays an important role in the life of the local population.

Historical information about the church

According to the assumptions of historians, the first temple of the shrine was laid in 1150, and the parish church bore the name of St. Olaf, who is considered the patron of Norway . It was built of stone and was located in the north-western part of the village. The original temple was small in size and is mentioned in the annals under the title "History of King Sverrir". The main historical milestones are as follows:

1. The Bergen cathedral burned several times: the most terrible fires occurred in 1248, 1270 and in 1463.
2. The first serious restoration of the church occurred with the generous donation of the Franciscan King Magnus, who after his death was buried in the cathedral. The clergymen built here a whole monastic complex, distinguished by its original architecture and unusual beauty, but without claiming luxury. In 1301 the shrine was consecrated bishop of Narva.
3. The official status of the Cathedral of Bergen was conferred in 1537.
4. In the middle of the XVI century, it was completely rebuilt and renewed. Here the First Lutheran Bishop began to govern, and the church began to treat the diocese of Bjorgvin. At this time, many rich local people left their lands and significant funds for the shrine.
5. The last complete reconstruction of the Bergen cathedral took place in 1880 under the leadership of Peter Blix and Christian Christie. The building was built in the Middle Ages with a baroque interior. Many details of the facade have reached our days, for example, the turret instead of the spire. Now the temple has a total length of 60.5 m, the width is 20.5 m, the diameter of the tower is 13 m, and the chorus reaches 13.5 m.

Description of the Cathedral of Bergen

Today, tourists who visit the cathedral can see:

1. The jammed cannonball that has remained here since 1665. It fell into the facade of the building during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
2. A magnificent organ in the cathedral is located, which periodically gathers to listen to music lovers.
3. The canvases of almost all the bishops who ruled after the Reformation from the diocese of Bjorgvin, as well as a sculpture dedicated to the famous monk Johan Nordal Brun. The monument to the church was presented by Karl Johan.
4. Memorial plaque hanging on the wall of the cathedral. It was installed in memory of the valiant sailors who fought during the Second World War for the Royal Navy of Norway. The main entrance of the shrine is adorned with an amazing epitaph. It depicts "The Resurrection of Jesus on Calvary."
5. Stained glass windows installed in 1880. They depict the birth of the Son of the Lord, his baptism by John, the crucifixion and resurrection. Under the paintings one can find narratives from the Old Testament, telling about the birth of religion. Near the altar is the sculpture of the all-powerful Christ Pantokrator. In one hand is the world, and the second is raised in a gesture of blessing.

How to get to the shrine?

From the city center to Bergen Cathedral buses run along the streets of Strømgaten and Kong Oscars gate. The journey takes up to 10 minutes. By car it's most convenient to get there by Christies gate. The distance is 1.5 km.