Cultural Heritage

The Bishops office in Oslo

Foto: Oslo Bispegård

The Bishops office is located in the middle of the historic area of Oslo's Old Town, surrounded by ruins dating back to when this was the heart of the city. If you begin your pilgrimage from the milestone at the St. Hallvard's Cathedral, you will get your first stamp at the Bishops office

Address

St. Hallvardsplass 3. Inngang fra Egedes gate

Åpent

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 15:00

As far back as the 12th century, Oslo's bishops have had their residence in this area. The bishop's office of today is built on the remains of the Olav Monastery - a Dominican monastery which was likely founded in 1239. Frants Berg was the first bishop who moved in the house in 1554. The building was improved and rebuilt in 1623 but in 1860 it was decided that the was to be demolished due to extensive deterioration.

However, in 1882, the government decided that the medieval part of the Bishops residence should be preserved. In 1883-84, the new bishop's residence was built on the ruins of the Olavs monastery. There are currently three rooms in the basement that have been preserved from the old monastery. In 1968, one of them was converted into a chapel for the residence. In the chapel you can see traces of the wall decoration from the 13th century.

Until the mid-1980s, the house was used as a private residence for the Bishop of Oslo. Since 1986, the administration of the bishop and the diocesan council have had their offices and representative premises there. The entire building was refurbished inside in 1999-2000, and many of the rooms were then restored to their original colours.

(Source: https://www.kirken.no/nb-NO/bi...)

The chapel
Windows from the chapel
Wall decoration from the 13th century on the ceiling.