St. Mary's Church Ruins, Oslo
Saint Mary's Church, situated in Oslo, was a medieval place of worship. The remnants of this church now lie within the Medieval Park (Middelalderparken) near the Sørenga neighborhood, which is part of the Gamlebyen borough.
Constructed gradually in stages from stone, Saint Mary's Church underwent its final enhancements in the 14th century. An extensive renovation during the 1200s introduced a new Gothic choir to the church's architecture. A significant reconstruction in the 1300s expanded the church with two imposing towers on its western side and a spacious cruciform choir. The church held a dual role as the royal chapel and a key player in political affairs, with its provost concurrently serving as Norway's Chancellor since 1314. Unfortunately, in 1523, the church fell victim to a fire sparked by the Swedish War of Independence against the Kalmar Union. Post the Protestant Reformation, its condition deteriorated to the point where restoration was infeasible, leading to its demolition in 1542.
Archaeological excavations commenced in 1867, led by Nicolay Nicolaysen under the supervision of Gerhard Fischer. Further excavations took place during the 1960s, led by Håkon Christie. Among the findings were remnants of an older wooden structure that Håkon Christie dated back to approximately 1050. Amidst the church ruins, the remains of two individuals were discovered and identified as King Haakon V and his Queen consort Euphemia of Rügen. These remains were subsequently re-interred in the Royal Mausoleum located within Akershus Castle.
Interestingly, the territory now occupied by the Norwegian Crown Prince Residence of Skaugum in the Asker municipality originally formed a part of the Saint Mary's Church's domain.
Constructed gradually in stages from stone, Saint Mary's Church underwent its final enhancements in the 14th century. An extensive renovation during the 1200s introduced a new Gothic choir to the church's architecture. A significant reconstruction in the 1300s expanded the church with two imposing towers on its western side and a spacious cruciform choir. The church held a dual role as the royal chapel and a key player in political affairs, with its provost concurrently serving as Norway's Chancellor since 1314. Unfortunately, in 1523, the church fell victim to a fire sparked by the Swedish War of Independence against the Kalmar Union. Post the Protestant Reformation, its condition deteriorated to the point where restoration was infeasible, leading to its demolition in 1542.
Archaeological excavations commenced in 1867, led by Nicolay Nicolaysen under the supervision of Gerhard Fischer. Further excavations took place during the 1960s, led by Håkon Christie. Among the findings were remnants of an older wooden structure that Håkon Christie dated back to approximately 1050. Amidst the church ruins, the remains of two individuals were discovered and identified as King Haakon V and his Queen consort Euphemia of Rügen. These remains were subsequently re-interred in the Royal Mausoleum located within Akershus Castle.
Interestingly, the territory now occupied by the Norwegian Crown Prince Residence of Skaugum in the Asker municipality originally formed a part of the Saint Mary's Church's domain.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Mary's Church Ruins on Map
Sight Name: St. Mary's Church Ruins
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
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
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
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...