- Christ Church, Bergen
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Christ Church or the Old Cathedral on Holmen (Kristkirken på Holmen i Bergen) was the main church and cathedral of Bergen.
The church was built by King Olav Kyrre during the period 1066-1093. The church was situated north of Haakon's hall, the King's hall. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity but was always known as Christ Church. In 1170 the relics of Saint Sunniva were moved here from Selja and placed on the main altar.
During Bergen's period as the capital of Norway in the 13th century, Holmen and Christ Church was the political centre of the country. The church itself was used for negotiations and the churchyard was used for hailing of kings and meetings of the realm. The first coronation in Scandinavia was held in Bergen in 1163 and several royal coronations were held in the church when it was finished. The kings were also married and buried in the church.
In 1531 the church was levelled to the ground by order of Bille, the Danish governor of Bergenhus Fortress.
Today the outline of the church is marked by a hedge. A memorial to Saint Sunniva and the royals buried there is placed on the site of the high altar.
Coronations
Coronation Picture Name Reign Other regnal titles 1163/1164 Magnus V Erlingsson 1161 - June 15, 1184 June 29, 1194 Sverre Sigurdsson 1184 - March 9, 1202 July 29, 1247 Haakon IV Haakonsson (Håkon IV Håkonsson)
with Queen Margrete1217 - December 16, 1263 September 14, 1261 Magnus VI the law-mender (Magnus VI Lagabøte)
with Queen IngeborgDecember 16, 1263 - May 9, 1280 1280 Eric II Magnusson (Eirik II Magnusson) May 9, 1280–1299 1281 Margaret of Scotland (consort of Eric II Magnusson) Burials
Burial Picture Name Reign Other regnal titles Moved to Bergen 1170 Saint Sunniva lived in the 10th century 1202 Sverre Sigurdsson 1184 - March 9, 1202 1204 Håkon Sverresson 1202–1204 1263 Haakon IV Haakonsson (Håkon IV Håkonsson) 1217 - December 16, 1263 1283 Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Norway consort of Eirik Magnusson 1290 Margaret, Maid of Norway, Queen of Scots 1286–1290 1299 Eric II Magnusson (Eirik II Magnusson) May 9, 1280–1299 External links
Categories:- Churches in Bergen
- 1160s architecture
- Coronation church buildings
- Visitor attractions in Hordaland
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