Var Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church), Trondheim

Var Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church), Trondheim

Our Lady's Church was originally called Saint Mary's Church (Mariakirken). It was constructed in the late 1100s by architect Bjorn Sigvardsson. The plan is of a "Long" church, peculiar to Scandinavia, especially Norway. The nave is one long room with a flat ceiling. The church is of stone, plain, but with Romanesque and Gothic elements.

In 1651 the church and most buildings in Trondheim were destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and redecorated only to be burned again in 1681 and again in 1708. In rebuilding, the church nave was extended to the west. The resulting length became 210 feet.

Major renovations had taken place by 1779. A new tower with a pyramid roof and spire had been installed and the church had acquired a baroque ambience. In the 19th century, under the direction of architect Christian Christie, most of the Baroque and Rococo elements of the interior were eliminated.

During the period 1957 to 1959 John Egil Tverdahl restored the church to its original medieval stone appearance.

The altarpiece was carved by Heinrich Kuhnemann in 1744. It was originally meant for Nidaros Cathedral. In 1837 it was moved to Our Lady's Church. It was painted by J. N. Schavenius. The pulpit was restored in 1959. The baptismal font dates from 1898.

The church is always welcoming and open for prayer and meditation.

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Var Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church) on Map

Sight Name: Var Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church)
Sight Location: Trondheim, Norway (See walking tours in Trondheim)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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