You probably spotted it from the bottom of the street, that bold red silhouette standing out against the sky. Now, here you are, in front of the striking Saint John’s Church, or Johanneskirken, pardon my Norwegian. Built in the 1890s, this neo-Gothic gem was designed by architect Herman Backer, better known for grand manor houses than churches. But here, he created something truly special. St John’s is the largest church in Bergen, and arguably the most beautiful. It’s certainly the finest example of neo-Gothic architecture in the city. When it first opened, it could welcome up to 1,250 worshippers. The spire, rising 60 metres above the city, invites you to look up, and reflect for a moment. Feel free to step inside, you’ll find the warm simplicity that defines Nordic churches: pale wood, subtle gold accents, and a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. Today, around 85% of Norwegians belong to the Lutheran Church, making Protestantism the dominant faith. That traces back to 1534, when King Christian III of Denmark introduced Lutheranism as the official religion. The crown seized the assets of the Catholic Church, and many places of worship were abandoned or destroyed. This marked the fusion of church and state, with the king as head of the Church of Norway. This arrangement lasted until 2012, when the Norwegian parliament officially ended the state religion. Still, for most Norwegians, religion is more cultural than spiritual. The majority of Norweigians are secular, with a laid-back, open-minded approach to faith.