Stavanger Cathedral

This beautiful cathedral is 900 years old and is the oldest cathedral in Norway. It is worth the small entry fee of around £5 to see the wonderful interior. The style is Romanesque/gothic. The first organ was installed in 1622, then in 1992 a classical organ by the Reil brothers was installed requiring modifications to the roof structure. I did hear the organ as they were doing some rehearsals and it sounded amazing, hopefully I can go back when they have a service. I would highly recommend a visit.

Stavanger Cathedral, also known as Stavanger domkirke, is a historic and architecturally significant church located in the city of Stavanger, Norway. It is the oldest cathedral in Norway that has been in continuous use since its construction. The cathedral was built between 1100 and 1150, during the reign of King Sigurd Jorsalfarer (Sigurd the Crusader). It is dedicated to Saint Swithun, an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester. The cathedral originally featured a Romanesque style, characterized by thick walls, small windows, and rounded arches. However, after a fire in 1272, it was rebuilt with Gothic elements, including pointed arches and larger windows. Stavanger Cathedral stands as a testament to Norway's rich religious and architectural heritage, offering a glimpse into the country's medieval past.

We didn't go into the Cathedral but you can for a fee. Lovely to get a photo.

A beautiful quiet park in the middle of town. Lovely, just lovely!

Had to pay to look around but worth it. Very interesting pieces. Well worth a visit

The Stavanger Cathedral church bells were ringing marking time, the surrounding was calm and bright as it gets on a cloudy Stavanger day and the bells melodious ringing for a  duration indicating time of 12.30PM and in my memory prompted a lyric....... "Ring them bells Saint Peter where the four winds blow, Ring them bells with an iron hand, Oh,it's rush hour now... ......................." Bob Dylan It was a unique experience in entering a cathedral  felt that we were ushered into the Cathedral entrance and the Almighty calling us...on the 28th November 2024 and as we entered through the main door we had a magnificent view of the long church and on entering we could see the two long aisles on the side which gave the impression of a very large space and very quiet and peaceful one with the roof four storey high(estimated) building dispelling the lyrics wordings "it is rush hour now" The seating capacity of the church is 800 we learnt and the rows and rows of chairs were looking very orderly and precisely laid out. Stavanger Cathedral is unique in that the original structure was in the Anglo Norman style and as   traditionally historical records handed down was built in 1125 AD after Sigurd Jorasalfarer( Sigurd the Crusader) the King of Norway named Stavanger as a Cathedral city and Bishop Reniald the Bishop of Winchester was responsible for the construction. The unique architectural elements are rounded arches, round-arch blind arcades and have included videos which show these elements and the uniqueness is that these have been retained in the existing structure in spite of remodelling due to fire in 1225 and many attempts at modernisation. This church is under renovation and the renovation of the interior is extensive as it has been so since the last few years as we undestandand is obvious if one were to view pictures from a few years earlier.The Cathedral is open for a few hours a day and work completion would likely take some time into the new year. At the entrance of the cathedral there is an Epitaph which commemorates thek fact that Stavanger has been bestowed with the status of a Cathedral with a Bishop by oSigurd Joraslfarer in the Epitaph. In the Cathedral there are 4 epitaphs at the four corners and they are removed and will be restored as the restoration progresses, recalling the Epitaph dedicated to Humble 1661,Godzten1660-1662 & Fransen 1674. and could not record the last one. The Humble epitaph is a commemorative plaque for Marcus Christensen Humble as archbishop in Stavanger and the family portrait was attributed to Anders Luritsen Smith.  Through recent research, the wood carving work has now  been attributed to sculptor Peiter Negelsen also. Godzten 1660-1662 is a memento of Stefren Pedersen Godtzen, who was mayor of Stavanger, Woodcarver work and family portrait was attributed to Anders Lauritsen Smith. Through recent research, the woodcarver's work has also been attributed to sculptor Peiter Neigesen Fransen Epitaph 1674The Franson epitaph is a commemorative over*North Rogaland woodcarver's work and the portrait painting is, like the other epitaphs, attributed to Anders Lauritsen Smith and also to unknown painter With the visit to long aisles and the dead ends with display the Epitaphs the glass stained pictures captivates us visually and it would be interesting to have the story of each stained glass We have also enclosed a video of the church internally from the nave showing the demarcation of the Anglo Norman style and the later Gothic style and from the nave the wall frame which encompasses the stained glass stories is the demarcation line and further demarcated by the crucifix at the top Stavanger Cathedral which we are told is of the vintage of Notre Dame which had Bishop in 1163 AD and Stavanger Cathedral had a Bishop in 1125 AD. A Cathedral not to be missed on Stavanger Norway visit.

Stavanger Cathedral is a true gem in the heart of Stavanger. With its stunning medieval architecture and beautifully preserved interiors, it offers a unique glimpse into Norway’s rich history. The peaceful atmosphere inside invites quiet reflection, while the detailed stonework and stained glass windows are simply captivating. It’s a must-visit landmark — whether for its historical significance, its serene beauty, or just a moment of calm in the bustling city center. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Stavanger!

The Cathedral had beautiful stained glass & incredibly sculpted & painted pulpit. We were lucky enough while we were there to hear the pipe organ being played. It was awesome!