- Address: Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo, Norge
- Phone: +47 23 62 90 10
- E-mail: post.domkirken@oslo.kirken.no
- Opening date: 1697
- Working time: 24 hours
One of the famous sights of Norway is the Oslo Cathedral, the main temple of the country, and at the same time - and one of the most beautiful churches in the city. There is a cathedral in Stortorvet Square. This is the official temple of the Norwegian royal family. All official and solemn religious events connected with the monarchs take place here. In particular, it was in this cathedral that the wedding of the King of Norway (in 1968) and the crown prince (in 2001) took place.
History of the temple
The first cathedral was built in the early 12th century on the square of Oslo Torg (Market Square); he bore the name of St. Hallward. In 1624 the fire almost completely destroyed it; Only a few decorative fragments survived. One of them - the bas-relief "The Devil from Oslo" - today decorates the walls of the new cathedral.
The second cathedral was built in 1632, and graduated in 1639. He was destined to live much less than the first: he also burnt, and it happened in 1686. The construction of a new, third cathedral began in 1690 and was completed in 1697. It was erected on the site of the pre-existing Church of the Holy Trinity, with the construction of stones from it. The money for the building was collected by the townspeople. The cathedral was consecrated as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Architecture and interior of the cathedral
Since the times in which the construction of the new cathedral took place were severe for the city, it turned out to be quite ascetic: there are practically no decorative elements on its walls, and red and yellow Dutch tiles were chosen for cladding because at that time it was one of the cheapest options.
Later the cathedral was rebuilt. The tower increased in height, and the windows of ordinary glass were replaced with stained glass (many of them were donated to the cathedral by wealthy citizens). Bells, an altarpiece, three chandeliers, several portraits of bishops to the Cathedral "inherited" from their predecessors. The altar, decorated in the Baroque style, and the carved wooden chair have been preserved since 1699, when they were created. In 1711 the cathedral acquired an organ, but the one that can be seen today was installed in 1997, at the same time there appeared two smaller bodies (all three - the work of Jean Reed).
In addition to historical relics, the temple also has modern art objects that appeared here after extensive reconstruction in 1950: works by Norwegian artists of the 20th century, stained-glass windows by the artist Emmanuel Vigelland, the younger brother of the famous sculptor Gustav Vigelland (creator of the famous metropolitan sculpture park ).
At the same time the cathedral acquired bronze doors of the work of Dagfin Verenskold, a marble floor, a new ceiling painting, which Hugo Laws Moore performed. But the false pseudo-gothic ribs of the arch were removed, as were the excess galleries along the walls, instead of which additional benches were put for the parishioners. It was after the reconstruction that the cathedral began to bear the name that now bears - the Cathedral of Oslo. Outside there are two busts: the priest Wilhelm Veksels and the Norwegian composer Ludwig Mathias Lindeman, who worked in the church as an organist and cantor.
Crypt
Earlier near the cathedral there was a cemetery. It is not preserved, but the crypt inside the cathedral, where the most wealthy parishioners were buried, still exists. There are 42 sarcophagi with the remains of representatives of the rich or famous families of Oslo, in particular - Bernt Anker, one of the richest merchants of Norway of the XVIII century. Today the crypt hosts lectures, scientific conferences, exhibitions and even chamber concerts. In addition, there is a parish cafe.
Sacristy
Sacristia, or the Chapter Hall, is on the north side of the cathedral. It was built in 1699. Very well preserved ceiling painting, depicting the figures of Faith, Hope, Prudence and Justice. In addition, there are portraits of all the bishops who headed the diocese after the Reformation.
How to visit the cathedral?
Oslo Cathedral is open from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00, on Sundays from 12:30 to 16:00, on the night from Friday to Saturday - from 16:00 to 6:00. The entrance to the temple is free. To get to the Market Square you can walk from Oslo Central Station in approximately 6-7 minutes by Karl Johans gate or through Strandgata, Biskop Gunnerus' gate and Kirkeristen.