Archbishop's Palace, Trondheim

The Archbishop's Palace in Trondheim (Norwegian: Erkebispegården i Trondheim) is a castle and palace in the city of Trondheim, located just south of the Nidaros Cathedral. For hundreds of years, the castle was the seat, residence and administrative center of the Archbishop of Nidaros.

During the Middle ages

The castle is one of the largest medieval stone structures in Scandinavia and the oldest walls are likely from the 13th century. The Archbishops of Nidaros expanded the castle gradually, with great halls and residential areas being built over time. Norway’s last Archbishop, Olav Engelbrektsson, attempted to make a final stand and defend the castle during the Reformation but eventually fled into exile.

Royal property

After the abolishment of Roman Catholicism, the castle became royal property where the local lensherre resided. The castle was restored, rebuilt into a residential palace and eventually used more for military purposes, again being expanded considerably. After the Sovereignty Act of 1660, the castle became the seat and residence of the Amtmann.

Restoration and current use

Substantial archeological excavations were made during the 1950s by Nicolay Nicolaysen and Gerhard Fischer which led to restorations being made at the castle. Today, the castle has several museums, is frequently used by the Church of Norway and is also the venue of Olavsfestdagene.

The Royal Regalia

The Regalia of Norway have been kept in the western flank of the castle at various times since 1826, but have been on permanent display in the castle since 2006.

Gallery

The courtyard of the castle

Castle gates

Entrance to the castle museum

The casle with the Nidaros cathedral in the background

Literature