2-995-929 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Cathedral at Drontheim, in which the Monarchs of Saxony are crowned, 1860. 'The Cathedral at Drontheim, where their Majesties Charles XV. and Louise were crowned King and Queen of Norway on the 5th August, is the most interesting in Norway, and when in its glory it was the grandest in the whole north of Europe, as well for architectural beauty as for extent and rich adornments. The varied stories, rich statues, and exquisite details made it equal some of the finest. The part standing is only the remains of the greatness and beauty of the olden time, but even now it is a most interesting remnant of the middle ages. The plan of the building is cruciform; its extreme length being 325 feet, and its width 162 feet. The greater portion is in the Norman style of architecture, and was doubtless erected by Archbishop Eystein, circa 1171 - most probably upon the original foundations of the church built by Olaf Kyrre (the Tranquil), circa 1070. The east end of the choir is absidal, the arches in the interior are arranged to form an octagon, and from the elegance of its design, and the richness of its architectural decorations, combined with an almost aerial lightness, it forms one of the finest specimens of the lancet style'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.