![Korskirken (Holy Cross Church), Bergen](/img/gd_attr/29771.jpg)
Korskirken (Holy Cross Church), Bergen
Holy Cross Church (Korskirken) in Bergen is a notable parish church located in the heart of Bergen city. The origins of the church trace back to around 1150 when it was first constructed in a straightforward rectangular plan. This church, built from stone in a cruciform design, was initially positioned on the shore of Vågen Bay, delineating the southern boundary of settlement in Bergen during the 12th century. The name "Holy Cross Church" derives from its possession of a relic from the True Cross, a distinction that few Norwegian churches held.
Throughout its history, Holy Cross Church has experienced several adversities, including multiple fires. The 1582 fire was particularly damaging, leading to the destruction of one of its two towers, which was never rebuilt. It wasn't until between 1615 and 1623 that the church acquired its cruciform shape through the addition of transepts.
Historically, the church has played an integral role in Norway's political evolution, notably serving as an election church in 1814. It was one of over 300 churches across Norway used as polling stations during the elections to the Norwegian Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution of Norway.
Despite ceasing to function as a regular parish church in 2002, after the merging of several urban parishes into the Bergen Cathedral parish, Holy Cross Church transitioned to a new role. It was handed over to the Church City Mission (Kirkens Bymisjon) and now serves as a special church within the urban parish. This church is staffed daily and remains open to the public for various activities, including silent reflection, candle lighting, community engagement, and attendance at church services.
With seating for approximately 600 people, the church today stands as a testament to historical resilience and evolving community roles, continuing to be a beacon of faith and social service in central Bergen.
Throughout its history, Holy Cross Church has experienced several adversities, including multiple fires. The 1582 fire was particularly damaging, leading to the destruction of one of its two towers, which was never rebuilt. It wasn't until between 1615 and 1623 that the church acquired its cruciform shape through the addition of transepts.
Historically, the church has played an integral role in Norway's political evolution, notably serving as an election church in 1814. It was one of over 300 churches across Norway used as polling stations during the elections to the Norwegian Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution of Norway.
Despite ceasing to function as a regular parish church in 2002, after the merging of several urban parishes into the Bergen Cathedral parish, Holy Cross Church transitioned to a new role. It was handed over to the Church City Mission (Kirkens Bymisjon) and now serves as a special church within the urban parish. This church is staffed daily and remains open to the public for various activities, including silent reflection, candle lighting, community engagement, and attendance at church services.
With seating for approximately 600 people, the church today stands as a testament to historical resilience and evolving community roles, continuing to be a beacon of faith and social service in central Bergen.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Korskirken (Holy Cross Church) on Map
Sight Name: Korskirken (Holy Cross Church)
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles