Hospitalskirken (Trondheim Hospital Church), Trondheim

The Trondheim Hospital Church, is an octagonal, wooden building constructed in 1705. It is known to be the oldest octagonal church built in Norway. The church, built next to Trondheim's Hospital, became the model for more than 60 churches built in the country.

The Trondheim Hospital Church was designed and built by Johan Christopher Hempel. The church has a marked tower, vaulted choir and porch roofs and an external entrance. It replaced a previous church built in 1277 that had become too run down to repair. The previous church was demolished only two months before the Trondheim Hospital Church was complete.

Unlike many of the buildings in Trondheim, the Trondheim Hospital Church was not destroyed by the great fires of 1708 and 1842. Much of what stands today was part of the original plan drawn by Hempel.

Trondheim Hospital Church is located on Kongens Gate and Hospitalsgata. Cobbled walkways give access to the church and its park-like greenery.