Oslo Cathedral (Oslo): Oslo
Cathedral is a 17th century Dutch Baroque style church in a cruciform shape.
Whilst the ground works for Oslo Cathedral began in 1692, it was consecrated on
7 November 1697 and originally named the Church of Our Savior.
Before Oslo Cathedral, the city had had two previous
cathedrals, one from the 12th century, the second from the first half of the
17th century.
Akershus Fortress (Oslo): Akershus
Fortress has been a vital stronghold and royal residence in Oslo since the 14th
century. Also known as Akershus Castle, it was begun in 1299 under King Hakon V
and would go on to play an important defensive role, surviving several sieges.
Over the centuries, different figures put their mark
on Akershus Fortress including King Christian, although it would suffer from
neglect in the 17th and 18th centuries. Now fully restored, Akershus Fortress
is both a popular tourist attraction and a site used for official government
and state functions.
Selje Monastery: Selje Monastery
is a picturesque ruined Benedictine monastery in Norway. Dating back to the
early 12th century, Selje Monastery was dedicated to St. Sunniva, the country’s
only female patron saint.
Roldal Stave Church: Roldal Stave
Church is a picturesque wooden church dating back to around 1250 with 16th
century interiors.
Pilgrims would travel to Roldal Stave Church in
medieval times, especially to see its altar crucifix, which was believed to
have healing properties. Today, visitors still flock to Roldal Stave Church,
Norway’s only church of this kind to still act as a working church.
Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim): Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is
one of the most prominent cathedrals in Norway and is built over the burial
site of Olav Haraldsson, later St. Olav, the first Christian king of Norway.
The first incarnation of Nidaros Cathedral was built
in the second half of the 11th century and construction continued for at least
a hundred years. However, the structure we see today is significantly rebuilt
as Nidaros Cathedral has been struck by devastating fires at several points
throughout its history.
Today the cathedral is largely of Gothic design and
reflects the work of a significant 19th century restoration project. The main
façade of the cathedral is found on its western side and boasts a huge rose
window surrounded by ornate statues and stained glass decoration. Inside, these
windows can be seen in their true glory with their vibrant colours providing an
impressive spectacle. Also within the cathedral is the medieval crypt, which
includes a number of tombs and burial stones.
