Stavanger Cathedral
Stavanger Cathedral
4
About
According to tradition the cathedral was built in the year 1125, after Sigurd Jorsalfarer named Stavanger as a cathedral city. Bishop Reinald of Winchester was responsible for its construction. The church was built in Anglo-Norman style, probably by English craftsmen. The church' patron saint is St. Svithun, and it is reputed that his arm was one of the church' original relics. In 1272 the cathedral was damaged by fire, after which it received a new chancel built in the Gothic style. Stavanger Cathedral is the only Norwegian cathedral from the Middle Ages that has retained its original appearance and been in constant use. Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm, June-Aug. Tue-Thurs and Sat 11am-4pm, Sept-May, closed Mon and Fri. High Mass every Sunday at 11am. Morning Mass in the Bishop's Chapel every Wednesday at 8am Thursdays 11.15-11.45. Thursday Mass.
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4.0
650 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
275
Average
131
Poor
19
Terrible
10
chocolate123
Switzerland191 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Why is it in this day and age not possible to publish half way correct opening information on a website? Not interested to have tourists visiting the cathedral?
The information boards outside the church say it is closed till 2023.
The website suggests it is open.
So: It is closed! Very much so. All fenced in, some scaffolding.
The information boards outside the church say it is closed till 2023.
The website suggests it is open.
So: It is closed! Very much so. All fenced in, some scaffolding.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty Bielicki
Stuart, FL15,482 contributions
July 2019
Norway’s oldest cathedral built early 12th century lies near the harbor and along a picturesque lake. When I first visited in 1979 the entrance to this cathedral was free.
“About eight years ago,” as I was told, “the church started charging”—50kr/$5.00USD—with the influx of tourists, particularly from the cruise industry.
We have come across a number of cathedrals that have started charging. Notre Dame in Montreal and the Milan Cathedral to name a few that require admission. Churches are expensive to operate.
At the time of our visit, the outside facade was being refurbished. Luckily, they do allow you to take pictures inside. Even though small, there are a number of interesting items to see and photograph. We particularly like the pulpit and the stained-glass windows.
If you are interested in churches and cathedrals, I would pay the admission to see this one. There is a definite historical “ambiance” about the Stavanger Cathedral.
As for Stavanger main center, it has changed since 1979. The extremely quaint harbor is now a place for the large cruise ships. Then, too, finding oil in the North Sea has transformed the city into a major hub of commerce. It is interesting to see children playing in and out of “oil equipment” at the playground.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
“About eight years ago,” as I was told, “the church started charging”—50kr/$5.00USD—with the influx of tourists, particularly from the cruise industry.
We have come across a number of cathedrals that have started charging. Notre Dame in Montreal and the Milan Cathedral to name a few that require admission. Churches are expensive to operate.
At the time of our visit, the outside facade was being refurbished. Luckily, they do allow you to take pictures inside. Even though small, there are a number of interesting items to see and photograph. We particularly like the pulpit and the stained-glass windows.
If you are interested in churches and cathedrals, I would pay the admission to see this one. There is a definite historical “ambiance” about the Stavanger Cathedral.
As for Stavanger main center, it has changed since 1979. The extremely quaint harbor is now a place for the large cruise ships. Then, too, finding oil in the North Sea has transformed the city into a major hub of commerce. It is interesting to see children playing in and out of “oil equipment” at the playground.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
Written 14 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken R
Andover, UK802 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
It really is worth looking at although smaller than many parish churches it is decorated in an unusual style and that makes it worthy of a visit.
The carvings are quite ornate although the faces of the figures are somewhat obscured, possibly through time.
The stained glass windows were away for renovation which was a shame as the very clever decorated blinds in place instead do make it look a little darker than it normally would.
For the cost of a few pounds entry, it's worth it, although 20 - 30 minutes would probably be more than enough.
The carvings are quite ornate although the faces of the figures are somewhat obscured, possibly through time.
The stained glass windows were away for renovation which was a shame as the very clever decorated blinds in place instead do make it look a little darker than it normally would.
For the cost of a few pounds entry, it's worth it, although 20 - 30 minutes would probably be more than enough.
Written 29 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy-in-OK
Tulsa, OK29 contributions
June 2015 • Couples
We went to the cathedral and met a man coming out of the church and he told us the cathedral was closed for repairs during the summer. You can walk around the outside but all of the doors were locked.
Written 10 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe Q
Virginia Beach, VA398 contributions
May 2015 • Family
Beautiful old church built in 1125, currently undergoing repair and renovation. This church sits in a park in the middle of Stavanger and should be a must see on your visit to the area.
Written 24 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ct-cruisers
Connecticut6,189 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We were in Stavanger as a cruise port visit. Just a few blocks from the cruise ship terminal we found the cathedral facing a small lake called Breiavatnet,
There is no fee for visiting the cathedral with its gothic features. As we walked around the church, we admired the wonderful hand carved wooden epitaphs. They were made by Andrew Smith of Scotland for 5 prominent church members in the 1600's.
Do take the time to visit the church if you are in town.
There is no fee for visiting the cathedral with its gothic features. As we walked around the church, we admired the wonderful hand carved wooden epitaphs. They were made by Andrew Smith of Scotland for 5 prominent church members in the 1600's.
Do take the time to visit the church if you are in town.
Written 19 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark666
worcs,england345 contributions
July 2012 • Couples
Visited back in July when the Q.E docked there,the Cathedral is in easy walking distance of the harbour and when we got back to the UK was surprised to find it wasnt listed on Tripadvisor so asked them 3 times to do it and at last can comment.
Easy to spot as it stands in an open space. Strangely its history owes much to the UK influence , I suppose a carryover from the Viking era, its first Bishop was from Winchester and renovation work after a fire was carried out by craftsmen from England. However the really striking work in the Cathedral - the pulpit and the hugh wooden carvings in memory of important Stavanger families were done by a Scottish artist , Andrew Smith, very impressive. However these are not the only attractions of the Cathedral as various Norwegian artists and craftsmen have added work in the last 100 years.
The overall effect is very attractive and peaceful with much to enjoy. It remains primarily a place of worship not a tourist hellhole a la Majorca's Cathedral which we visited last week . We spent just over an hour admiring and meditating in it.
You buy tickets at a little kiosk at the foot of the steps leading to the entrance of the Cathedral , make sure you get a leaflet ( there are no guided tours you are on your own ).
Easy to spot as it stands in an open space. Strangely its history owes much to the UK influence , I suppose a carryover from the Viking era, its first Bishop was from Winchester and renovation work after a fire was carried out by craftsmen from England. However the really striking work in the Cathedral - the pulpit and the hugh wooden carvings in memory of important Stavanger families were done by a Scottish artist , Andrew Smith, very impressive. However these are not the only attractions of the Cathedral as various Norwegian artists and craftsmen have added work in the last 100 years.
The overall effect is very attractive and peaceful with much to enjoy. It remains primarily a place of worship not a tourist hellhole a la Majorca's Cathedral which we visited last week . We spent just over an hour admiring and meditating in it.
You buy tickets at a little kiosk at the foot of the steps leading to the entrance of the Cathedral , make sure you get a leaflet ( there are no guided tours you are on your own ).
Written 7 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mubarak09
Stavanger, Norway34 contributions
July 2019
It is in the midle of the city 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. This is the only cathedral from the Middle Age that has kept its original architecture.Stavanger history is closely connected to this cathedral and it was built in 1125.
Written 27 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IceBowlVet
Lookout Mountain, GA29 contributions
Aug 2019
This cathedral is interesting to walk through with numerous items of worth noting. It is actually not very large, though, and our visit ended up being rather brief. For us, worth the short walk.
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingBill
Glendale, AZ634 contributions
Aug 2019
Highlights of this church include half is Roman, half is gothic. The Pulpit is amazing, one of the best we've ever seen. So much detail. Worth the visit. There are 5 large carvings on the wall by the same artist which are also very detailed. The stained glass they advertised was covered. Did not stop them from charging $6 per person to enter for any reason and they were very strict about entering without paying. Religion in Norway.
Written 28 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Osamu Y
Tokyo, Japan
Is the cathedral renovating still going on? I'm planning to visit there in June.
Written 26 February 2020
What are the opening times for the cathedral on a Sunday for the public to just view inside, not to attend a service? Thank you!
Written 1 October 2018
Opening hours for Stavanger Cathedral
Monday-saturday: 11:00-16:00
Sunday 11:00
Written 27 February 2020
What are the opening times for the cathedral on a Sunday for the public to just view inside, not to attend a service? Thank you!
Written 1 October 2018
Mass was at 11, but if I remeber correctly, the cathedral was open from 13-16. It is under renovation, so times might change. In fact, we were allowed to pop in, while there was a christhening, and the service was majestic, the babe a real cutie. It was a memorable exerience. Norwegian people are extremely friendly, don't miss a visit to that jewel box of history. We did not look at the website, but walked by and checked the program. I suggest everyone to do so.
Written 2 October 2018
My relative, Johan Andreas Mathiasen, son of Mathias Andreasen and Anna Olin Dorum, was baptized in your church in Aug. 23,1874. We are travelling to Norway in August and will be in Stavanger Aug. 14 and Aug 15. Is it possible to tour the church while we are there?
Written 25 July 2017
We visited in June and definitely had to pay to enter. There was no getting past the staff on the door. I think it worked out at about £3.00. each. It was a Sunday afternoon and as far as I remember, entry in the morning was confined to the services.
Written 14 August 2017
NORSKKAHUNA
Batavia, Illinois
does one 70 nok admission cover both the hall and tower
Written 12 August 2015
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