.png)
The Arctic Cathedral, Tromso: Why It Is A Good Thing To Visit at Sundown
The
Arctic Cathedral in Tromso, Norway
Welcome to one
of the nicest cathedral landmarks in Norway that you have to experience. You
are guaranteed to take home the best of Tromso experience by discovering the amazing Arctic Cathedral, formerly known as the Romsdalen Church or Tromsøysund Church (Norwegian:
Tromsdalen kirke or Tromsøysund kirke). Consecrated in 1965, this parish church
is nicknamed as “The
Cathedral of the Arctic Sea”. Braving the cold sundown winter weather, my
troop and I decided to reach the church on foot. We walked from the city
center, and crossed the iconic bridge connecting the other side of the city. I
swear to you, despite the cold reverie, the beauty of the
panoramic vista while crossing the bridge gives that drop dead godsmaking
effect --- I could not take my eyes away from the picture-postcard
vision. I had goosebumps writing about it now, even more so when I was there.
It’s so beautiful!
From the
outside, this Tromsøysund parish, which is part of the Tromsø arch-deanery in
the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland looks like an opera house of Norway and is often likened to the
famous Sydney Opera House of Australia. Although the Tromso Cathedral is
better noted because it is the only wooden cathedral in Norway, the Arctic
Cathedral is very famous because of its structural masterpiece and I have no
doubt about that. As I approached the outside of this place of worship, I could
feel the architectural dedication and style that was invested in this
Evangelical Lutheran church. It looks like a sort-of-falling domino that is
both divine and distinct. The surrounding snow
filled area makes the photo taking even more enjoyable, so much so that a lot
of people (locals and travelers alike) took a lot of time taking photos outside
of the church, I wanted to pray for them to go inside, so that I can take a
good photo as well. Lol.
Of course when I laid my eyes on the view from the inside, it was a whole new story of stupor. The church is built out cast-in-place aluminium-coated concrete panels, with a magnificent glass mosaic made by Victor Sparre, and an iconic Grönlunds Orgelbyggeri organ. I really liked the impression that the glass mosaic gave, especially how it depicts God’s hand with three rays of light, one through Jesus, a woman, and a man. It’s very symbolical and it’s a surprise to see such masterpiece in a far and cold place like Tromso. While we had the chance to see the whole area, I was drawn closer and longer to this part of the church. If you happen to get the chance to do so, please go nearer, so that you can see the beautiful details up close.
We were
the last to go out of the parish church, and good thing we did so. It was a
melodramatic sight, with all the oak pews and large prism chandeliers slowly
saying goodbye as the lights slowly get dimmer. It’s definitely a place to
experience for yourself and if you are lucky, you get to experience it’s peace
and tranquility; considering that this is a busy
church, wherein concerts are being held all year long, often involving the
congregation’s five choirs.
Address: Hans
Nielsens vei 41 9020 Tromsø, Norway
[NORWAY TRAVEL] Read the rest of Explore Norway Travel Blog
Series:
0 Wandering Thoughts: