Old Aker Church

Oslo, Norway

Old Aker Church (Gamle Aker kirke) is Oslo's oldest remaining building and the only remaining church from the Middle Ages. It is assumed that it was built around the year 1150. It is a stone church, built as a three-naved Roman-style basilica.

The church has been pillaged and ravaged by fire several times. The oldest part of the surrounding churchyard dates back to the 12th century. The church has a baroque pulpit and baptismal font from 1715. The tower was built in 1861.

The church was built over an old silver mine, Akersberg which was in use since the early Viking age. The mines are mentioned in the 1170 Historia Norvegiae. The mines must have been the inspiration for a number of stories about the church having hidden silver treasures and even dungeons with dragons.

References:

Address

Telthusbakken 13B, Oslo, Norway

See all sites in Oslo

Details

Founded: c. 1150
Category: Religious sites in Norway

More Information

www.visitoslo.com
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Oscarsborg Fortress (28,9 km)
Sister Churches (50,7 km)
St. Margaret's Church (8,1 km)
Hurum Church (38 km)
Nesodden Church (13,5 km)
Haslum Church (10,1 km)
Grorud Church (8,6 km)
Ski Church (23,3 km)
Karljohansvern (56,4 km)

User Reviews

Chris Bartlett (2 years ago)
What an amazing church. Went there for a wedding. Visit if you can just to see one of the oldest buildings in Oslo. It is worth it. Simple beautiful

Goran A. (2 years ago)
As it is a little away from the center, walking to it is definitely worth as it is one interesting building that has somewhat traditional church architecture, but the interior is very captivating as it has very thick columns and quite good religious atmosphere.

xench (2 years ago)
Oldest church in Oslo, worth the visit when you’re nearby, has a cemetery included.

Denis Sakhno (3 years ago)
We were fascinated by this old church and the street that leads to it - Telthusbakken

Marie F. (4 years ago)
The oldest standing medieval building in Oslo is Gamle Aker church, beautiful and unforgettable. Old cemetery with spectacular view over city.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Fagerjord

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.