St. Mary's Church Ruins, Oslo, Norway

St Mary's Church (Mariakirken) was the royal chapel and had an important political role, as its provost from 1314 also was Chancellor of Norway. It was built originally in 1050 AD, but rebuilt and expanded several times. Final additions made in the 1300s. In the beginning of the 14th century, it was the third largest church in the country, and in the Middle Ages it was the royal chapel. The church was set on fire by Swedish forces in connection with an attack in 1523. After the Reformation, it was so dilapidated that it could not be repaired and was demolished in 1542.

Excavations were first conducted in 1867 under Nicolay Nicolaysen and later in the 1960s under the leadership of Håkon Christie. Remains of two people, deemed to be King Haakon V (1270-1319) and his Queen consort Euphemia of Rügen, were discovered during excavations of the ruins of the church and reinterred in the Royal Mausoleum in Akershus Castle.

User Reviews

Tiffany Lee (6 months ago)
Was almost missing if didn't look around. She is a little bit lower than the road, need to walk down stairs before you can reach her. Here you can create your own church by reading the introduction, was a fun brainstorming.

guri guriguri (6 months ago)
why so serious

John Doe (6 years ago)
Lovely and interesting.

Hallvard Lærum (6 years ago)
Sentral del av Oslos middelalderhistorie

Adam Lewicki (6 years ago)
w tym miejscu ruiny kościoła

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

St. Mary's Church Ruins

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople