Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The epicentre of town is Torvet, the central square (also spelt 'Torget') with its statue of
King Olav Tryggvason atop a column that acts as a huge sundial.
Sights
Nidaros Cathedral
CATHEDRAL
Offline map
Google map
(Nidaros Domkirke;
www.nidarosdomen.no
; Kongs-
gårdsgata; adult/child Nkr50/25; 9am-3pm or 5.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat,
1-4pm Sun May-mid-Sep, shorter hr rest of yr)
Nidaros Cathedral is Scandinavia's
largest medieval building. Outside, the ornately embellished west wall has top-to-bottom
statues of biblical characters and Norwegian bishops and kings, sculpted in the early 20th
century.Severalarecopiesofmedievaloriginals,housednowadaysinthemuseum.Within,
the cathedral is subtly lit (just see how the vibrantly coloured, modern stained-glass glows,
especially in the rose window at the west end), so let your eyes attune to the gloom.
ThealtarsitsovertheoriginalgraveofStOlav,theVikingkingwhoreplacedtheNordic
pagan religion with Christianity. The original stone cathedral was built in 1153, when Nor-
way became a separate archbishopric. The current transept and chapter house were con-
structed between 1130 and 1180 and reveal Anglo-Norman influences (many of the crafts-
men were brought in from England), while the Gothic choir and ambulatory were com-
pleted in the early 14th century. The nave, repeatedly ravaged by fire across the centuries,
is mostly a faithful 19th-century reconstruction.
Down in the crypt is a display of medieval carved tombstones (the majority restored
from fragments since many headstones were broken up and carted away to be recycled in
domestic buildings). Look for one inscribed in English and dedicated to William Miller,
Shipmaster, of Dundee, Scotland, who met his end near Trondheim in the 18th century.
You can wander around freely but, between early June and early August, it's worth join-
ing a tour (a 15-minute canter or a more detailed 45-minute visit). Times vary but there are
up to four daily in English. Music-lovers may want to time their visit to take in a
recital
(admission free;
1pm Mon-Sat early Jun-early Aug)
on the church's magnificent or-
gan.
From early June to early August, you can climb the cathedral's
tower
for a great view
over the city. There are ascents every half hour from its base in the south transept.
Archbishop's Palace
MUSEUM
Offline map
Google map
The 12th-century archbishop's residence (Erkebispegården),
commissionedaround1160andScandinavia'soldestsecularbuilding,isbesidethecathed-
