News of Norway, issue 3, 2001
Historians predict that the building of the cathedral by Nidelven, the river Nid, was initiated around 1070. According to tradition, the high altar was erected on the burial site of King Olav Haraldsson who was killed in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Shortly thereafter, King Haraldsson was declared a saint, and pilgrims began to flock to the Nidaros Cathedral.
The cathedral attracts a great number of tourists from around the world, with estimates reaching around 400,000 visitors per year. It also serves as a local parish church with regular services being held several times a week.
It is largely believed that the cathedral, in its original form, was finished around 1300. However, in 1328 it was partially destroyed by fire and, during the Reformation, the financial assets originally set aside to rebuild the church disappeared. After several more fires, large parts of the church were left in ruins 132 years ago, when the current restoration work was initiated. This work was motivated by the growing Norwegian national awareness and historical interest during the 19th century.