Get a rare glimpse into the mysteries of the Cathedral at the heart of Stavanger in our new exhibition. The Cathedral has always stood as a powerful symbol of faith, history, and architectural mastery. But recent archaeological discoveries are changing what we thought we knew about Norway’s oldest cathedral still in use.

During restoration work on the cathedral’s choir in 2023, researchers made a groundbreaking discovery: Parts of the choir structure, long believed to have been rebuilt after the devastating city fire of 1272, were constructed before the fire and survived it. Radiocarbon dating of wooden scaffolding and mortar confirms that the Gothic choir was built sometime between 1220 and 1270.

Two painted angels were also uncovered on the choir wall. These murals had been hidden under layers of limewash and are from the same period. Their presence shows that significant Gothic-style renovations were already underway before the fire. With this new evidence, we now believe that only the west tower was destroyed in 1272. The rest of the cathedral remained intact. The revised construction timeline tells a new story. The Romanesque stone church was built between the years 1100 and 1125. The bishop's seat was established from 1125. The Gothic choir and towers were constructed between 1220 and 1270. The city fire occurred in 1272 but likely damaged only the west tower. The Gothic narthex, or entrance area, was added sometime between 1320 and 1400.

Excavations in the Cathedral revealed more unexpected findings: Beneath the choir, archaeologists discovered over 30 Christian burials! These graves date from the early 800s to the early 1100s, proving that this site had religious importance long before the current cathedral was built.

Fragments of relic containers were also found. These may have been part of a shrine dedicated to Saint Svithun, the cathedral’s patron saint. Together, these findings confirm the cathedral’s importance as a spiritual and political center in medieval Norway. Visitors can now see these, and more, rare objects in our exhibition! They can also view the newly uncovered murals, relic fragments, medieval scaffolding, and burial objects. Each item offers a glimpse into a hidden past and helps tell a new and deeper story of Stavanger Cathedral.