Stavanger Domkirke (Stavanger Cathedral), Stavanger (must see)

Sitting on the eastern side of Torget, or Main Square, the Stavanger Cathedral is easy to spot by its large gray-stone edifice overlooking the northern end of Breiavatnet lake. Walk toward its main western entrance, where two square towers rise on either side of the façade.

Built around 1125, Stavanger Cathedral is generally regarded as Norway’s oldest cathedral still in use. It remains the seat of the Bishop of Stavanger and the principal church of the Diocese of Stavanger within the Church of Norway.

The heavy stone walls and relatively simple forms of the western section reflect the cathedral’s Romanesque origins. Now, look toward the opposite, eastern end of the building. After a major fire in 1272, the cathedral was enlarged and rebuilt, most notably with a new Gothic choir. This gives the church an interesting combination of rounded Romanesque forms and the taller, more pointed features associated with Gothic architecture.

If the cathedral is open, step inside and enter the nave. Look along the central aisle toward the choir, then turn your attention to the rows of massive round columns separating the nave from the side aisles. Examine their carved capitals closely. Several feature animals, human figures, foliage, and other decorative motifs, reflecting medieval stone-carving traditions.

Continue toward the eastern end to see the Gothic choir, where pointed arches and more slender architectural forms contrast with the heavier Romanesque nave. Another highlight is the richly carved Baroque pulpit, created in the 17th century by Scottish-born craftsman Andrew Lawrenceson Smith.

As you leave, walk around the cathedral if access allows. On the south side, Breiavatnet opens up just beyond the church, giving you one of the best perspectives for appreciating the cathedral’s stone exterior and its prominent position in the historic center.

After nearly 900 years, Stavanger Cathedral remains one of the clearest reminders of the city’s medieval beginnings.