There is an incredibly beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral in Stavanger on the shore of Lake Breiavatnet. This temple is an excellent example of how well architectural values can be preserved.

Stavanger Cathedral is the oldest in Norway. The first version of the Cathedral was built in 1100. The final appearance was formed by the end of the 13th century when all the construction works were completed.

Like any other ancient temple, the cathedral has a rich history. Numerous fires have never partially destroyed it. However, despite this, religious services never stopped in the cathedral: even in the damaged holy place people continued to gather for prayers, holidays, and city meetings.

In addition to being the oldest cathedral in Norway, the temple is interesting as it confirms that the country already had strong international relations in the 12th century. The first version of the cathedral was built by the Christian Viking King Sigurd the Crusader who was married to the daughter of the Grand Prince of Kyiv Mstislav the Great. Although Sigurd had his own idea of how to spread religion, most often it was far from peaceful, he built temples where he planned to develop his activities. But not everything and not always happens the way people want.

The viking king built a small temple, but then left Norway, and his work was continued by the English. They completed the cathedral which they dedicated to their Saint Swithun – one of the first bishops of Winchester Cathedral.

So, after several centuries of construction, they built a temple, which was connected with Kievan Rus’, with the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks and with the conquest of Western Europe by the Vikings.

Externally the cathedral building is not the most attractive – it looks more like a small, dependable fortress. But if you have a closer look, you can see the finest work of masons which shows the greatness of the temple and its splendor.