Naidaros, the first capital of Norway, was founded over a thousand years ago (977 r.). Od XVI w. it is called Trondheim. In addition to the centuries-old history, the city is attracted by the tranquility that reigns here. Specific, a slightly provincial atmosphere encourages visitors to stay longer. And undoubtedly, it is worth paying more attention to the monuments of this medieval metropolis.
The most remarkable building in Trondheim, and maybe even the whole of Norway, is Nidarosdomen. For centuries, pilgrims from all over the country have been making pilgrimages to this cathedral. When in 1033 r. the ruler of 0lav II Haraldsson was considered a saint (although he was never officially canonized), his burial place became a pilgrimage destination for his subjects. Initially, the saint's remains rested in the church of Christ, Christ Church. In the following centuries, a new impressive temple was built on the site of Kristkirken. The oldest part of the cathedral dates from 1982 1320. For many years, its individual fragments were added and as a result, Nidarosdomen combines the features of two styles: Romanesque and Gothic. It is the largest medieval temple in Norway. Measures 102 m in length and 50 m wide. Impressive size (21 m in height) the nave was inspired by the building of the Westminster Abbey. Delicate, the openwork stained glass windows created by Gabriel Kielland were to imitate those decorating the Cathedral of Chartres.
The facade of the temple is especially beautiful. The entrance to it is guarded by a row of figures representing Norwegian saints. There is also 01av II holding the royal insignia in their hands. Another church, which cannot be missed when visiting Trondheim, is small, stony Var Frue. It was built at the end of the 12th century. and has been expanded several times since then. And so in the 18th century. the temple gained a tower, a year 1837 the painting was transferred from the Nidarosdomen cathedral, which became part of the altar for Var Frue. To this day, an inscription in Old Norse Church has been preserved on the wall of the church: I am the property of Saint Mary.
Traveling through Norway, you can find out, that the common form of learning about the history of the country are "time trips", possible thanks to numerous open-air museums. No wonder then, that Trondheim also has its own open-air museum. The Trondelag Folkemuseum has gathered over 60 historic buildings of Trondheim and the surrounding area. The open-air museum was constructed in this way, that we can stroll the streets of the Old Town from the 18th century. (The old town). Everyone has the opportunity to visit the former bakery or confectionery, and even get to know the equipment of the dentist's office at that time. In addition to residential buildings, a pillar church was moved to the open-air museum (norw. stavkirke), built in 1170 r. in Haltdalen.
St. 0lava's Day is one of the oldest holidays celebrated in Norway. 29 On July, ceremonial services are held in churches, there are festivities in the streets, and in the evening you can watch fireworks displays. In this way, homage to King Olav II Haraldson is paid, which will contribute to the unification and Christianization of the country. A ruler recognized as a saint has never been officially canonized, for he was far from being holy. Methods, which he used to convert to Christianity were very cruel, even for those barbaric times.
Roses have long been a symbol of this city. Many wild and unique species grow in the vicinity of Trondheim. Their strange names (e.g.. double cinnamon rose or dog rose) testify to their richness of varieties and colors. The rose is also a beautiful symbol, which since the Middle Ages have been decorating churches here. The Rose of Trondheim (Trondhjemrosen) became an element of the city flag.