Middelalderparken (Medieval Park), Oslo

Middelalderparken is a park worthy of any Oslo walking tour. The park is known as the Medieval Park, which may seem ironic in that it wasn't opened until the year 2000. It gains its name not from the history of the park itself but for the landmarks that are located within.

The 43-acre park offers 22 acres of water, plenty of green space and the Ekorn hangout wildlife refuge. Most notable within Medieval Park are the three medieval ruins: Saint Clement's Church, Saint Mary's Church and Oslo Kongsgard.

Like many of the medieval ruins of Oslo, Saint Clement's Church was excavated by Gerard Fischer. The stone church is thought to have been built around the year 1100. However, more than 80 burials were discovered beneath the church that have been carbon dated to the year 980. These burials are believed to be some of the oldest Christian burials in Norway.

Saint Mary's Church was a stone church, possibly built in the 1200s, which was preceded by wooden, stave church constructed around the year 1050. During excavation, the remains of King Haakon V and Queen Consort Euphemia of Rugen were found. Those remains were removed to Akershus Fortress.

Oslo Kongsgard was the 11th century royal residential palace. It served in this capacity until Akershus Fortress was built.