Archbishop's Palace

Trondheim, Norway

The Archbishop's Palace 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.

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.

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.

Museums

Today, the castle has several museums, is frequently used by the Church of Norway and is also the venue of Olavsfestdagene. 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.

'The Armoury' (Rustkammeret) is a Norwegian army museum as well as a resistance museum, emphasizing the military history of Trøndelag. Military equipment of Norway during World War II at display in the 'Armoury' Army Museum in Trondheim. The museum has weapons, uniforms and other artifacts on display, starting with the Viking Age, going through the Middle Ages and the Norwegian union with Denmark (1380–1814) and later with Sweden (1814–1905), up to the German occupation of Norway during World War II (1940–1945).

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Norway

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Rui Templier (7 months ago)
Boring. Nothing but old statues with no information or stories on them. One movie that explained a lot but none of the statues which was disappointing. We bought a combined ticket to all three so we did kind of get this one free or discounted but it wasn't very interesting.
paulo duarte (12 months ago)
The grounds of the palace were very beautiful, the inside of palace was interesting to visit as well, not as impressive as the Cathedral but worth the visit nonetheless!
Stefano (2 years ago)
The exhibition in archbishop Museum is sub par. Lighting of is not optimal, sometimes flashing LEDs into your eyes while you observe the finds. Whoever organized the exhibition decided to put several items at floor level, together with information plaques. Every now and then you have to strike a yoga pose to read and observe something at ankle height. Please rearrange for human consumption.
Katja Alexander (2 years ago)
It's a really fascinating place. Very impressive with how much information there is about everything. I was completely taken by surprise in the lower floor/basement area.
Madlen Karlíková (2 years ago)
Nice place to visit, the most intereating thing was an old mint. You can buy the combinate ticket to the cathedral, crown jewels and this museum.
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