The Oslo Cathedral (Domkirke) is located in the heart of the Oslo city center, just a 2 minute walk from the Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). Facing Stortovet square, the Domkirke is north/north east of Karl Johans Street, one of the main streets of Oslo, which is a center of shopping and food.
The Cathedral of Oslo is not merely a religious building but a center of culture for the whole city, here in fact, you can often attend to many different concerts and events during the year.
The Oslo Cathedral area: a place between sacred and profane
Probably the first thing you will notice when visiting the Domkirke is that this Cathedral seems to be stuck between the sacred and the profane. Within the Cathedral walls you will find a picturesque bazaar full of bars, restaurant, shops, and even a grocery store.
Indeed, all of the buildings in the Cathedral area are connected by the same walls and share a beautiful central courtyard. This beautiful courtyard consists of a rounded green area embellished by a fountain depicting a vase.
Here, you can have a pleasant walk along the perimeter of the Cathedral, or find the beautiful courtyard and take a break on a bench. Try one of the refined restaurants along the Cathedral walls, or if you are running on a low budget you can also buy some quality products at the grocery store, which faces Karl Johan’s Gate.
Go inside and admire the Cathedral’s interior
The Oslo Cathedral was built between 1694 and 1697. It has been renovated many times and contains some beautiful artwork that merits your visit.
The main features of this religious and culture center date back to the last two centuries. There are west bronze portal doors by Dagfin Werenskjold, a silver sculpture depicting a communion scene by the Italian sculptor Arrigo Minerbi, impressive ceiling decorations by Hugo Lous Mohr, and as you can see in the picture above, a beautiful main organ built by Ryde and Berg of Fredrikstad. Look up and be amazed by the painted ceiling created between 1936 and 1950.
Be astonished by the altar with its beautiful stained glass windows
The masterpiece of the Oslo Cathedral is its beautiful altar. You will find yourselves in the middle of a half circle, surrounded by beautiful stained glass windows depicting various scenes from the Holy Bible. These windows were created by Emanuel Vigeland, the brother of the famous Gustav Vigeland, the designer of the Vigeland Park, another must visit during your trip in Oslo.
Nestled in the center of this half circle you will find a splendid altar with art depicting a scene from the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Jesus painted in 1748 by Michael Rash.
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Visit the Domkirke and enjoy its events programme
If you visit Oslo in December don’t miss the Saint Lucy event at the Domkirke taking place on December 13th. In fact, Saint Lucy is considered the protectress of light in Scandinavia and due to the few hours of daylight during winter, the celebration of light is the primary importance for this event.
Visiting the Cathedral of Oslo is a well-rounded experience that will help you to understand the Norwegian culture from a deeper point of view. In addition to the religious functions, you will find a vivid events programme with a refined concert calendar.
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