159
Ålesund Church
Ålesund Church was built in 1909, after the old church from 1854 was destroyed in the great Town Fire of 1904. The church is built in concrete and Norwegian marble, and is beautifully decorated with stained glass windows and frescoes.
The first church that was built where Ålesund Church lies today, was designed by Heinrich Schrimer, and constructed in 1854. This church was damaged in the Town Fire in 1904, even though it was built in brick.
The present Ålesund Church was designed by Sverre Knudsen, and the first stone was laid down by King Haakon the 7th in July 1906. The church was inaugurated in 1909, and was built in concrete, and dressed with marble from Northern Møre.
The frescoes and beautiful stained glass windows were made by Martin Enevold Thømt and Oddvar Straume, and the glass gable windows behind the organ were a gift from the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. The font is made from Italian marble, and the church has got three bells of various sizes. The organ has got 64 tunes, and is one of the largest in Norway.
The church is usualy closed on monday and saturday, unless there is a cruise ship in town. Except under wedding ceremonies. Also, the church is closed for tourist before and during funerals.
Source: Ålesund & Sunnmøre
Ålesund Church