Mariakirken

St Mary's Church, in Bergen

St Mary's Church, or Mariakirken, is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches of Norway, dating from 1180. The Bergen audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this venerable sanctuary with two towers, one of the rare medieval buildings still intact of the town.

The venerable Romanesque sanctuary

The church that you see now is named Mariakirken, that is St Mary's Church. It is one of the most important Romanesque churches of the country and one of the oldest still intact today. It dates indeed from 1180, at the end of the twelfth century, and has the particularity of being topped with two bell towers, or two towers, that give it a characteristic silhouette. Built of stone, a rare and precious material in this town largely built of wood, it has crossed the centuries and resisted the numerous fires that ravaged Bergen, which makes of it an exceptional witness of Norwegian medieval architecture. Located near the district of Bryggen, the church was moreover for a long time linked to the community of the German merchants of the Hanseatic League, who made of it their parish. Inside, in a solemn atmosphere conducive to contemplation, it keeps a rich heritage, including a magnificent medieval altarpiece, an ornate pulpit and precious decorative elements. A venerable place of worship and a Romanesque jewel, it is one of the oldest and most moving monuments of Bergen. A Romanesque sanctuary and a witness of the Middle Ages, St Mary's Church is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches of Norway, dating from 1180, topped with two towers; built of stone, it resisted the numerous fires of the town and was for a long time the parish of the German merchants of the Hansa, and keeps inside a rich heritage including a magnificent medieval altarpiece. St Mary's Church is a Romanesque jewel of Bergen. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

St Mary's Church lies near the district of Bryggen, in the heart of Bergen, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; the visit may follow its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is St Mary's Church of Bergen remarkable?

Because it is one of the oldest and most important Romanesque churches of Norway, dating from 1180 and topped with two towers; built of stone, it resisted the numerous fires that ravaged the town of wood, was for a long time the parish of the German merchants of the Hansa, and keeps a rich heritage including a magnificent medieval altarpiece.

Where is St Mary's Church in Bergen?

Near the district of Bryggen, in the heart of Bergen, in Norway.