The fabulous scenery of Bergen, a city situated on the slopes of seven hills, and at the same time open to the sea, earned him the title of the most beautiful metropolis in the north. Even though it is the second largest city in Norway, still retains the charm of a picturesque countryside. Specific, the unhurried atmosphere of the city attracts tourists from all over the world.
Long, the history of Bergen, dating back to the dark medieval times, found expression in its architecture and atmosphere. The oldest building in the city is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Mariakirken – built in the mid-12th century. Hanseatic merchants gave this church a special veneration, that's why they spared no money for its modernization. Thanks to them, wonderful decorations of the church were created, m.in. baroque pulpit with 1677 r. It was decorated with unusual paintings, which force visitors to make a longer stop – they are representations of Christian virtues: Faith, Hope, Justice and Love. Let's start our trip around Bergen from the northern side of Vågen Bay. The first building, which is worth stopping at, jest Håkonshallen. Built by order of King Håkon IV Håkonsson in the 13th century., on the occasion of the coronation and wedding of his son, to this day it is the place of great celebrations in the city. The building declined, when at the end of the 17th century. a grain granary was arranged there. As a result of the efforts of the inhabitants of Bergen, the building was restored and decorated with paintings.
Walking along the bay we come across a characteristic one, and at the same time the most beautiful corner of Bergen – Bryggen, bay quay. For ages, because of its beautiful location, this place was liked by wealthy people. Thanks to them, Bergen became a cosmopolitan metropolis and the capital of Hanseatic merchants. Along the shore stood a row of cute ones, wooden houses with steep roofs. Colorful buildings, which today so impress newcomers with their natural simplicity, Unfortunately, these are only reconstructions of old buildings. The original destroyed in 1945 r. explosion of a German ship with ammunition. Each of these houses was built in the same way. A narrow passage is a characteristic element of the building plan, which you can walk from the entrance to the warehouses and the backyard.