Christ Church, Bergen
Christ Church or the Old Cathedral on Holmen (Kristkirken på Holmen i Bergen) was the main church and cathedral of Bergen. Its site was at present day Bergenhus Fortress.
The church was built by King Olav Kyrre during the period 1066-1093. The church was situated north of Haakon's hall, the King's hall. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity but was always known as Christ Church. In 1170 the relics of Saint Sunniva were moved here from Selja and placed on the main altar.
During Bergen's period as the capital of Norway in the 13th century, Holmen and Christ Church was the political centre of the country. The church itself was used for negotiations and the churchyard was used for hailing of kings and meetings of the realm. The first coronation in Scandinavia was held in Bergen in 1163 and several royal coronations were held in the church when it was finished. The kings were also married and buried in the church.
In 1531 the church was levelled to the ground by order of Eske Bille, the Danish governor of Bergenhus Fortress.
Today the outline of the church is marked by a hedge. A memorial to Saint Sunniva and the royals buried there is placed on the site of the high altar.
Coronations
| Coronation | Picture | Name | Reign | Other regnal titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1163/1164 |  | Magnus V Erlingsson | 1161 - June 15, 1184 | |
| June 29, 1194 | | Sverre Sigurdsson | 1184 - March 9, 1202 | |
| July 29, 1247 |  | Haakon IV Haakonsson (Håkon IV Håkonsson) with Queen Margrete | 1217 - December 16, 1263 | |
| September 14, 1261 |  | Magnus VI the law-mender (Magnus VI Lagabøte) with Queen Ingeborg | December 16, 1263 - May 9, 1280 | |
| 1280 | | Eric II Magnusson (Eirik II Magnusson) | May 9, 1280 – 1299 | |
| 1281 | | Margaret of Scotland (consort of Eric II Magnusson) |
Burials
| Burial | Picture | Name | Reign | Other regnal titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moved to Bergen 1170 |  | Saint Sunniva | lived in the 10th century | |
| 1202 | | Sverre Sigurdsson | 1184 - March 9, 1202 | |
| 1204 | | Håkon Sverresson | 1202–1204 | |
| 1263 | | Haakon IV Haakonsson (Håkon IV Håkonsson) | 1217 - December 16, 1263 | |
| 1283 | | Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Norway consort of Eirik Magnusson | ||
| 1290 | | Margaret, Maid of Norway, Queen of Scots | 1286–1290 | |
| 1299 | | Eric II Magnusson (Eirik II Magnusson) | May 9, 1280 – 1299 |
External links
Coordinates: 60°24′01″N 5°19′00″E / 60.4003°N 5.31671°E