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Nidaros Domkirke (Cathedral of Trondheim), Trondheim is a splendid architectural marvel which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. One of the perfect examples of medieval cathedrals, it is believed that generations of craftsman and artisans spent their whole life for more than 450 years to build the structure of Nidaros Domkirke. Tourists will love to acquaint oneself with the history of the Nidaros Domkirke (Cathedral of Trondheim), Trondheim which will make the trip a fascinating experience as a whole.

According to the legends and historians, King Olav Haraldsson was buried at the cathedral's high altar site after he was killed in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. After a year, the King was declared a saint which started attracting pilgrims from across the country and the world making the Nidaros Domkirke one of the popular tourist attractions in Trondheim.

The original wooden structure was replaced by a stone cathedral between 1070 and 1090 under the supervision of King Olav the Gentle, the nephew of the deceased King. Known as Christchurch, it was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Major developments were noticed during 1151/53 when the cathedral was elevated to being the centre of Norwegian archbishopric. After this, the old structure was renovated and new architectural trends were added making Nidaros Domkirke in Trondheim an eight storey presbytery with an ornate octagon.

In 1248, plans were initiated to extend the West Front of the cathedral. But a fire in 1328 destroyed the structure and in 1708 the cathedral suffered another setback when it was again burned down leaving only the walls. Restoration started in 1869 and the Cathedral was completed in 1969 and since then the Nidaros Domkirke (Cathedral of Trondheim), Trondheim has influenced the medieval pilgrims to a large extent. Today the Cathedral continues to attract innumerable visitors totaling to approx 400 000 tourists every year. The Cathedral also serves as the parish church for locals and services is held throughout the week.

Bestowed with rich architectural splendors, the Nidaros Domkirke houses few valuable objects like the silver chalice that dates back to 1520-30 and 1304 large chest. While touring the cathedral, one must visit the St John's Chapel which is one of the oldest parts of the church structure boasting of inscriptions that date back to 1161. Paradoxically, the Chapel also houses the newest altar that was included in 1985.

Other important sections of the cathedral are:

• The High Altar: Marbled sculptures showing Christ and his disciples.
• The Russian Icon: Gifted by the Commercial Counsellor
• St Olav Altar-Front: 14th Century altar that depicts stories from Battle of Stiklestad
• Altar of the High Cross: Presented by Norwegian emigrants

Tourists can buy memorabilia ranging plaster copies of church sculptors and CDs from the gift shop of the Cathedral which also sells books and bibles. Tourists must try and take part in one of the music recitals in the Cathedral which has become very famous in Norway. Each summer, international organ recitals are organized in the Cathedral.

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