St. Hallvard's Cathedral Ruins, Oslo

St. Hallvard's Cathedral Ruins, Oslo

Saint Hallvard's Cathedral, also known as Hallvardskatedralen, was once the revered cathedral of Oslo. However, by the 17th century, it had fallen into disrepair and now stands as a collection of ruins. This historical site is situated within the confines of Old Town Oslo.

Originating in the early 12th century, the cathedral bore witness to Oslo's transformation. Following a catastrophic fire in 1624, Oslo was forsaken, leading to the establishment of a new city, Christiania, approximately a kilometer westward. Saint Hallvard's Cathedral retained its role as a church until around 1655. Over a span of about five centuries, it served as the religious hub and episcopal seat for eastern Norway. The cathedral played host to coronations, royal weddings, and other regal ceremonies, solidifying its place as a pinnacle of significance in Scandinavia and a sought-after pilgrimage site.

The southern vicinity of the cathedral houses Saint Hallvard cemetery, an esteemed burial ground from approximately 1130 to 1639, reserved for bishops, notable individuals, and even Norwegian monarchs from Oslo and the eastern reaches of the country.

The initial exploration of the cathedral's remains occurred in 1865, undertaken by Norwegian archaeologist Nicolay Nicolaysen. Regrettably, sections of the ruins were lost during the construction of the Ostfold Rail Line in the early 1920s. Nevertheless, in 1932, the cathedral remained a focal point upon the inauguration of Memorial Park in Old Town (Minneparken i Gamlebyen). Nestled adjacent to the cathedral's remnants are the vestiges of the medieval parish church, Holy Cross Church (Korskirken).

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St. Hallvard's Cathedral Ruins on Map

Sight Name: St. Hallvard's Cathedral Ruins
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.

Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.

One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour

Old Oslo Walking Tour

The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.

One of its prominent landmarks is...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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