NIDAROS CATHEDRAL (NIDAROSDOMEN)

The Nidaros cathedral has kept the Viking name of the present-day city of Trondheim, inspired by the river Nidelva. Built in the 12th century, in 1653, on the tomb of Saint Olav, the cathedral is entirely dedicated to him. Converted to Christianity in France and proclaimed king on his return to Trondheim. In 1024, he tried to Christianize the society before fleeing under pressure from the people. When he returned, he died during the Stiklestad ride and was buried on the spot, under a pile of sand. According to the legend, people who trampled on the tomb were cured of their illnesses. A year and five days later, it was decided to open his tomb and they found his body intact, his hair and nails had grown. It was then decided to build around him the beginnings of the present monument. The cathedral is built in "soapstone", in a style where the Gothic dominates, but older parts are of Romanesque inspiration. The stained glass windows are magnificent and only date from the 20th century. With its richly sculpted façade and splendid stained glass windows, it is reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris. The last king to be crowned in the cathedral was Harald V in 1991. The interior of the cathedral is ultimately more sober than the exterior, so if you don't opt for an educational and enjoyable guided tour, it may be more interesting to go in for a concert. Now a protestant church, the cathedral remains a place of pilgrimage and a cultural symbol of the country.