Stavanger - Norway - page 244

you through some of the scenic wonders of this vast fjord country. Depending
on what you're in for, rides can last from 1 hour to all day. Prices range from
500NOK to 1,000NOK ($71-$142).

5 Seeing the Sights
Arkeologisk Museum (Museum of Archaeology) The culture and
natural history of southwestern Norway for the past 15,000 years is on parade
here. Models of prehistoric life attract a lot of attention, as do the changing nat-
ural history exhibitions. Educational but fun films are shown periodically; call
ahead to check the schedule. This museum is also the shelter for the public
archive of antiquities for Rogaland. It's very family-friendly, featuring treasure-
hunt games and other activities for kids.
Peder Klowsgate 30A. & 51-84-60-00. Admission 20NOK ($2.85) adults, 10NOK ($1.40) seniors, students,
and children, 40NOK ($5.70) family ticket. June-Aug Tues-Sun 11am-5pm; Sept-May Tues 11am-8pm,
Wed-Sat 11am-3pm, Sun 11am-4pm.
Domkirke (Cathedral) This is one of the great churches from the
Middle Ages left in Norway and it stands reasonably intact. Constructed over a
decade beginning in 1125, the cathedral was dedicated to Saint Swithun. It is
said that Bishop Reinald sailed here from Winchester, England, with relics of the
saint, to dedicate the cathedral. He carried with him what was said to be the arm
of Swithun.
A fire in 1272 swept over the Romanesque structure, destroying most of it.
During the church's reconstruction, a Gothic chancel was added. In the new
structure, twin square towers and a mammoth porch at the west end were also
added. With the coming of the Reformation, the Domkirke lost its precious
relics of the saint along with its bells and several altars. A major restoration from
1938 to 1942 was carried out that, for the most part, returned the church to a
Middle Ages look.
We always time our visit here to coincide with the organ recital at 11:15am on
Thursday. In such an atmosphere, you'll feel as if you've gone back 8 centuries.
The length of the Dom is 65m (213 ft.), with the chancel measuring 22m (72
ft.). The original nave is striking in its simplicity but the other parts are more
elaborate, including the large round columns and the square capitals. Some of
the capitals are carved with such Norse figures as dragons and griffins. See, in
particular, the fine memorial tablets and the famous pulpit , outstanding
examples of baroque art in Norway. The pulpit remains a masterpiece of wood-
carving, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, and crowned by a baldachin
honoring the victories of Christ.
Haakon VII's Gate. Free admission. May 15-Sept Mon-Tues 11am-6pm, Wed-Sun 1-6pm; Oct to May 14
Wed-Sat 10am-3pm.
Gamle Stavanger This is northern Europe's largest and most impres-
sive—and best preserved—settlement of old-fashioned wooden houses. In “Old
Stavanger” (its English name) more than 170 buildings from the late 18th cen-
tury and early 19th century are not only preserved but also fully renovated. The
houses were built with money brought back to Stavanger by seafarers who
roamed the world. A walk through the narrow streets of Gamle Stavanger is one
of the most memorable city experiences in southern Norway. The houses are
owned partly by private residents and partly by the city itself.
To reach Old Town, go to the west side of Vågen (the harbor) and climb a
steep slope overlooking Strandkaien. Once a district for the working class, the

Kids