Oslo Cathedral

Oslo Cathedral, Oslo domkirke, was consecrated in 1697 as the city's third cathedral, replacing the Holy Trinity church that burned after only fifty years, and it is a plain brick building with a green copper tower, standing at the market square just off the main street. The interior repays a visit more than the outside suggests: a baroque altarpiece and pulpit of the 1690s survive from the original furnishing, the stained glass is by Emanuel Vigeland, and the entire ceiling is covered by paintings executed by Hugo Lous Mohr between 1936 and 1950, a large-scale scheme that was controversial when new. The bronze doors carry reliefs of the Sermon on the Mount. The cathedral serves as the church of the royal family and the state for weddings, funerals and national occasions.

History

Oslo's first cathedral, Hallvard's Cathedral, was built by King Sigurd I in the first half of the 12th century about 1.5 kilometres east of today's church; after the great fire of 1624 King Christian IV moved the city west, and a second cathedral, Holy Trinity, built in 1639, was lost to fire after only 50 years. The foundation stone of the present church, probably designed by Jørgen Wiggers, was laid in 1694, and it was consecrated in November 1697 (Wikipedia, Oslo Cathedral).

What's there

• The painted ceiling - a full-surface scheme by Hugo Lous Mohr.
• The baroque altarpiece - original 1690s carving and painting.
• The Vigeland glass - stained glass by Emanuel Vigeland.
• The bronze doors - relief panels at the main entrance.

When to go

Year-round; the cathedral opens daily and entry is free. Services and state occasions close it to visitors at short notice, and the surrounding square holds a flower market on weekdays.

What to expect

The exterior is modest and easily walked past. Opening hours are limited on some days and the church closes for services and events. The area around Stortorvet has visible social problems.

Nearby

Karl Johans gate and the Storting are alongside; the old bazaar halls stand behind the cathedral.

Key facts