Church of the Cross, Medieval church ruins in Old Town, Norway.
The Church of the Cross was a medieval place of worship whose stone foundations and walls remain visible today within Minnepark. The ruins sit adjacent to St. Hallvard's Cathedral ruins, offering a glimpse into the early religious structures that shaped Old Town.
This church was built before the 1240 battle between King Haakon IV and Duke Skule that shaped medieval Oslo. Archaeological work uncovered a runic inscription in 1989 that confirmed the early date of the structure.
The site served as a place where people gathered to worship and bury their dead in medieval times. The remaining stone walls speak to the spiritual role this location held in the city's early religious life.
The ruins are located within Minnepark in the heart of Old Town and easy to visit on foot while exploring nearby historical sites. The open archaeological site welcomes visitors freely and allows you to wander at your own pace without specific timing constraints.
The original structure had two separate entrances: one from the cemetery on the western side and another leading directly to the chancel from the south. This dual arrangement was uncommon and reveals thoughtful design choices in how people moved through the sacred space.
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