Gothic masterpiece. Spend an hour or two admiring its intricate ornamentation, smelling the flowers in its garden or learning about its long history.
Built at the beginning of the 12th century, the Stavanger Cathedral is one of Norway’s most ancient surviving cathedrals. Its first bishop was a Benedictine monk, Reinald of Winchester. Note that its current Gothic style was the result of a reconstruction after a fire in 1272.
Admire the cathedral façade, which features stone sculptures, stained-glass windows and two flanking towers capped with faded green spires. The distinctly medieval building rises out of a gorgeous garden complete with manicured lawns and colorful flowerbeds. Walk around the grounds to appreciate the beautiful ancient cathedral contrasted against the modern city behind it.
As you explore, note the statue of monstrous fish sculpted near the cathedral entrance, which was intended to scare Satan away. Look for sculptures paying tribute to St. Swithun, the patron saint to whom the cathedral is consecrated.
Within the church, admire a spacious nave that seems to defy the weighty stonework of the church exterior. Spend some time inspecting the 17th-century pulpit, a beautifully carved platform exhibiting Baroque-era characteristics. Afterward, admire intricate depictions of New Testament scenes in the church’s stained-glass windows.
After experiencing the cathedral, walk around Breiavatnet Lake, located in the adjacent Byparken parklands. Find a quiet spot for a picnic and feed the ducks splashing in the water. Alternatively, explore the retail district surrounding the park to find a number of market stalls and a small mall.
The Stavanger Cathedral is located in central Stavanger, just a short walk from the original old town. Get here using public buses or drive and use nearby street parking. The cathedral is free to enter and open daily.
