Norway’s Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the largest in the country and a goal for pilgrims from all over Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, needs another round of repairs.
The cathedral, construction of which began in 1070, has been under almost constant rehabilitation for decades, since systematic restoration and maintenance work began in 1869. It recently received a new copper tower but now parts of its outer facade are crumbling.
The largest repair project in modern times is thus underway, reports newspaper Aftenposten, and will proceed for the next 10 years. The most important goal is to repair the “king’s entrance” on the building’s south side and the facade on the north side.
Some of the work will repair earlier repairs, after experts discovered that work done in the 1880s used a special type of stone that proved to be of poor quality. Many of the stones must be replaced.
The cathedral is part of the national heritage in Norway, used for royal weddings and the coronation of King Haakon in 1906, as well as the blessings of King Olav and King Harald when they took the throne. Coronations are no longer held in Norway.
The cathedral remains a popular goal of pilgrims and hikers who cross the Dovre Mountains, mostly in the summer months.
Views and News staff
