Norwegian
Norwegian, Norwayan, or Norsk may refer to:
*Something of, from, or related to Norway, a country in northwestern Europe
* Norwegians, both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway
* Demographics of Norway
*The Norwegian language, including ...
: Erkebispegården i Trondheim) is a castle and palace in the city of
Trondheim
Trondheim ( , , ; sma, Tråante), historically Kaupangen, Nidaros and Trondhjem (), is a city and municipality in Trøndelag county, Norway. As of 2020, it had a population of 205,332, was the third most populous municipality in Norway, and ...
, located just south of the Nidaros Cathedral. For hundreds of years, the castle was the seat, residence and administrative center of the Archbishop of Nidaros.
During the Middle ages
The castle is one of the largest medieval stone structures in
Scandinavia
Scandinavia; Sámi languages: /. ( ) is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between its constituent peoples. In English usage, ''Scandinavia'' most commonly refers to Denmark, Norway, and Swe ...
and the oldest walls are likely from the 13th century. The Archbishops of Nidaros expanded the castle gradually, with great halls and residential areas being built over time. Norway’s last Archbishop,
Olav Engelbrektsson
Olav Engelbrektsson (, Trondenes, Norway – 7 February 1538, Lier, Duchy of Brabant, Habsburg Netherlands) was the 28th Archbishop of Norway from 1523 to 1537, the Regent of Norway from 1533 to 1537, a member and later president of the ''Riks ...
, attempted to make a final stand and defend the castle during the
Reformation
The Reformation (alternatively named the Protestant Reformation or the European Reformation) was a major movement within Western Christianity in 16th-century Europe that posed a religious and political challenge to the Catholic Church and in ...
but eventually fled into exile.
Royal property
After the abolishment of Roman Catholicism, the castle became royal property where the local lensherre resided. The castle was restored, rebuilt into a residential palace and eventually used more for military purposes, again being expanded considerably. After the Sovereignty Act of 1660, the castle became the seat and residence of the
Amtmann
__NOTOC__
The ''Amtmann'' or ''Ammann'' (in Switzerland) was an official in German-speaking countries of Europe and in some of the Nordic countries from the time of the Middle Ages whose office was akin to that of a bailiff. He was the most seni ...
.
Restoration and current use
Substantial archeological excavations were made during the 1950s by
Nicolay Nicolaysen
Nicolay Nicolaysen (14 January 1817 - 22 January 1911) was a Norwegian archaeologist and Norway's first state employed antiquarian. He is perhaps best known for his excavations of the ship burial at Gokstad in 1880.
Gerhard Fischer which led to restorations being made at the castle. Today, the castle has several museums, is frequently used by the Church of Norway and is also the venue of Olavsfestdagene.
The Royal Regalia
The Regalia of Norway have been kept in the western flank of the castle at various times since 1826, but have been on permanent display in the castle since 2006.The Royal Regalia /ref>
Gallery
File:Erkebispegården Trondheim 01.jpg, The courtyard of the castle
File:Trondheimpalaisepiscopal.jpg, Castle gates
File:Museet Erkebispegården.jpg, Entrance to the castle museum
File:L13 4195 erkebispegarden.JPG, The castle with the Nidaros cathedral in the background
Literature
* Bakke, Erling: ''Erkebispegården. Nordens eldste profane bygning'', Trondheim 1977.
* Fischer, Dorothea og Gerhard: ''Erkebispegård – Kongsgård. Arkeologisk oppdagerarbeid 1952–72'' i ''Fortidsminneforeningens Årbok 1975'', pages 3–40.
* Nordeide, Sæbjørg Walaker: ''Erkebispegården i Trondheim. Beste tomta i by'n.'' Trondheim 2003, page 379.