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 The Synagogue of Oslo |
Bergstien 15 Postboks 2722 Oslo 0131 Norway +47 22 69 6570 http://www.dmt.oslo.no/ |
The 1940-45 Nazi occupation all but exterminated the Jews living in Oslo, but for some mysterious reason this synagogue survived. It is still the only one in the city, and with the next-door Community House (at no. 13) it is unchallenged as the centre of Mosaic community life in Oslo. Synagogues have no architectural style of their own, but rather tend to resemble each country's own religious buildings; so you have to look twice to tell it is not a church. The foundation stone was laid down in 1918, and the architect, Herman Herzog, had it ready for Hanukkah in December of the following year. In 1920 it was consecrated by Rabbi Marcus Melchior from Copenhagen. Prayers are said in Hebrew. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The grain silo by Akerselva and Marseligate |
Marselis gate 24 Oslo 0551 Norway |
If you look at Oslo from one of the many panorama spots available, you will see this strange green building, many metres high, with circular towers. This was a grain silo in the old days, but now they are rebuilding it to become apartments for some of Oslo's many students. Just behind the building some steps go down to the river, with a waterfall in which you can watch fish jumping. Fishing is not permitted right here, but watching them is always enjoyable. Bus 30 and trams 11, 12 and 13 go to Grünerlokka, where Cuba is. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Asbjørn Floden  |
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Oslo's oldest church |
Akersbakken 26 Oslo 0172 Norway +47 21 93 8185 |
Oslo's oldest building was constructed on a countryside hill around 1080, using limestone quarried from the nearby cemetery. The expansion of the city has caught up with the church, and now it lies only a ten-minute walk from the Royal Palace. The views over the city are good. The Anglo-Romanesque stone church has an elongated three-nave plan with a choir and one side chapel, both ending in semi-circular apses, and it can seat up to 450 people. The belfry was added in 1861 by architects H.E. Schirmer and Wilhelm von Hanno. The church has been plundered and set on fire several times over the years; in 1703 it was even struck by lightning, and all contents were lost. The Baroque bishop's throne and baptismal font date from 1715. Today's austere stone walls were uncovered in the 1952-55 restoration. Attending Mass here still takes your mind back to Mediaeval times, although the Bishop no longer tolerates the holy water, incense, icons, superfluous hymns and music, and other Orthodox elements that used to mark this church's liturgy. During World War II, Queen Maud's sarcophagus was hidden from the Nazis inside this church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eudaemonius |
 Photo: MalinMark |
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Free maps |
Kingos gate 17 Oslo 0457 Norway http://www.oslo.kommune.no/ |
If you want to walk in Oslo, check out Park- og Idrettsvesnet's (the park and sports department of Oslo) maps with suggested walks in the east and west sides of Oslo. There are also maps of the islands and the forests that surround Oslo, with tour suggestions and places of interest marked on the maps. These maps are free; inside Norway you can get them mailed to you by calling and leaving your address. Most of the guides are only written in Norwegian, but walking in the forest you will most probably meet many nice and helpful people, keen to lend a hand. These maps are beautiful openings to the city, your investment will be your feet and your curiosity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grünerløkka's parish church |
Thorvald Meyers gate 31 Oslo 0555 Norway +47 23 12 1720 http://www.kirken.oslo.no/paulus |
Originally a working-class area, in the last years Grünerløkka has become renowned throughout Norway for its street-life and its large and ever-increasing number of restaurants and bars. One of the things that remain is the Sunday morning toll of the bells in the local church. Paulus Kirke, a Neo-Gothic brick building consecrated in 1892, was constructed by architect Henrik Bull as part of a popular overall design that included the public park of Birkelunden and the public primary school on the opposite side. For this reason the church has the peculiarity of a main entrance facing west, above which is the belfry. Up to 800 churchgoers can be seated in the spacious interior. Occasionally the church hosts the so-called Forum Gatherings, where representatives of religions as varied as Buddhism, Islam or ancient Norse beliefs gather to debate and exchange ideas. The altar painting was made by Christen Brun, and the statue of Christ is a replica modelled by Gunnar O. Alvær of an original by Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Quiet, green space in the middle of the city |
St. Hanshaugen Oslo 0456 Norway |
One of the quietest green spaces in the city, this park is situated on a hill, with paths flanked by leafy old trees. St. Hanshaugen lies between Ullevålsveien, Collettsgate and Geitmyrsveien. Climb to the top of the park, and you can enjoy refreshments at the outdoor café. Various kinds of entertainment are offered during the summer season. A little stream runs through the park, with a small pond at one end. Buses 21 and 37 run past the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sulaiman Thompson |
 Photo: Luis Fonseca |
