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Stavanger Cathedral
Stavanger cathedral is the only cathedral from the Middle Age that has kept its original architecture, and the only Norwegian cathedral in continuous use since the 1300s. Norway’s best-kept cathedral is located only a stone’s throw from the Stavanger harbour.
Stavanger cathedral was according to tradition built in 1125 after Sigurd Jorsalfarer named Stavanger a cathedral city. Bishop Reinald of Winchester was responsible for the construction. The church was built in Anglo-Norman style, probably by English artisans. The church patron saint is Saint Svithun, and it is presumed that his arm was one of the original relics of the church. In 1272, the cathedral was damaged by fire, after which it received a new chancel built in the Gothic style. The pulpit is made by Andrew Smith in the 1650's and the stained glass by Victor Sparre i 1957. In the armoury there is a wall carpet hung made by Frida Hansen, of the holy Saint Olaf. She has also made one of the altar cloths, as well as the carpet in the altar ring.