Tórshavn Cathedral
Faroe Islands (DK)
Tórshavn Cathedral, locally known as Havnar Kirkja or Dómkirkjan, stands as one of the Faroe Islands' oldest churches, located on the historic peninsula of Tinganes in Tórshavn. Painted white with a slate roof, it was built in 1788 on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1609. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Faroes since 1990, marking its importance in the Evangelical-Lutheran national Church of the Faroe Islands. Architecturally, it preserves much of its 1865 structure, with later expansions to the choir and sacristy in the 20th century. The interior features 44 benches in the nave and a gallery with 14 benches. A highlight is the 1647 altarpiece depicting the Last Supper, a Renaissance piece linked stylistically to Danish 17th-century art influenced by Peter Candid. The church’s bell, dating from 1708, originated from the Danish East India Company's ship "Norske Löve," which sank nearby. This combination of historical artifacts and its role as a religious center makes Tórshavn Cathedral a unique cultural landmark in the Faroe Islands.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to visit the cathedral during its opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 13:00 to 16:00, with additional openings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 16:00 starting June 20th. Booking tickets in advance is not required, and the church is open to visitors free of charge. The best time to experience the cathedral's ambiance is during quieter weekday afternoons. Visitors should also check the church calendar for special events and services that may enrich their visit.
Datos interesantes
- •The cathedral’s bell originates from the Danish East India Company ship "Norske Löve," which sank near the Faroe Islands in 1707.
- •The altarpiece dates back to 1647 and features a painting of the Last Supper influenced by the work of Peter Candid, a 17th-century court painter.
- •The church was officially designated a cathedral only in 1990 when it became the seat of the Bishop of the Faroe Islands.
Historia
The origins of Tórshavn Cathedral trace back to a prayer house or early church in the Middle Ages, with the first proper church built in 1609 under King Christian IV’s directive.
The current building was constructed in 1788, replacing the earlier structure which was demolished in 1798.
The church underwent significant rebuilding in 1865, which largely preserved the original structure.
In 1935, the choir was extended, and a sacristy was added, with further expansions in 1968.
Since 1990, the church has held cathedral status as the seat of the Bishop of the Faroe Islands.
Guía del lugar
The Nave and Gallery1865
The nave contains 44 benches and the gallery 14, offering seating for the congregation and visitors. The space retains much of its 1865 structure, providing insight into the church's historical architecture.
The Altarpiece1647
A Renaissance altarpiece from 1647 featuring a painting of the Last Supper, stylistically linked to Danish 17th-century art derived from Peter Candid’s work. It was restored in 1961 and is mounted on the north wall of the nave.
The Bell from Norske Löve1708
The church bell, acquired in 1708, comes from the Danish East India Company's ship "Norske Löve," which sank in 1707 near the Faroes. It is decorated with palmettes and bears the company’s crowned monogram.
Contacto
Teléfono: 313900