Bodø Cathedral
Nordland
Bodø Cathedral, located in the town of Bodø in Nordland county, Norway, is a prominent concrete basilica built in 1956 following the destruction of the previous wooden neo-Gothic church during World War II. Designed by architects Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas, the cathedral accommodates approximately 850-890 people and serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland. Its architectural style is functionalist with a long church basilica form, featuring a 36-meter tall free-standing clock tower housing three bells. The interior is distinguished by a 12-meter high stained-glass window above the altar, designed by Åge Storstein and crafted by Borgar Hauglid. The cathedral also contains notable sculptures by Kristoffer Leirdal, including an external figure of Petter Dass and a concrete choir screen depicting Jesus on the cross with Mary and John. A memorial plaque honors Bodø residents who lost their lives during WWII, inscribed with the words "No one named, no one forgotten." Bodø Cathedral is an important cultural and religious landmark, reflecting post-war architectural innovation and local history.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider attending Sunday services at 11:00 or special concerts and events often held in the cathedral. The church is open weekdays from 09:00 to 14:30 for quiet reflection and sightseeing. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially during summer, to learn about the cathedral's art and history. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the cathedral is open and events are frequent.
Faits intéressants
- •The cathedral features a 12-meter high stained-glass window by Åge Storstein, one of Norway's prominent artists.
- •Its free-standing clock tower is 36 meters tall and contains three bells with biblical inscriptions.
- •The cathedral was among the first churches in Norway to use reinforced concrete for new architectural elements.
- •The WWII memorial inscription translates as 'No one named, no one forgotten,' commemorating local war casualties.
- •The cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Wollert Krohn-Hansen in 1956, four years after the diocese was established.
Histoire
The original Bodø Church was a wooden neo-Gothic building consecrated in 1888, serving the town until it was destroyed in the bombing of Bodø on 27 May 1940 during World War II.
After the war, an architectural competition in 1946 selected the design by Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas for a new concrete cathedral.
Construction began in 1954, and the new church was consecrated in 1956.
It became the cathedral for the newly established Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland in 1952.
The building was protected as part of Norway's post-war architectural heritage in 2002.
Guide du lieu
Main Sanctuary and Altar1956
The sanctuary features a large 12-meter stained-glass window depicting religious motifs, designed by Åge Storstein and executed by Borgar Hauglid, providing a luminous focal point above the altar.
Free-standing Clock Tower1956
A 36-meter tall tower separate from the main building houses three bells inscribed with verses from the Bible, serving as both a timekeeper and war memorial.
Sculptures by Kristoffer Leirdal1956
The cathedral's exterior and interior feature sculptures by Kristoffer Leirdal, including a depiction of Petter Dass outside and a concrete choir screen inside showing Jesus on the cross with Mary and John.
Memorial PlaquePost-1956
Located in the bell tower, this plaque commemorates those from Bodø who died during World War II, with an inscription honoring their sacrifice.
Contact
Téléphone: 75 50 03 00
