Mariakiren, Mary's Church, was adjacent to our hotel, and on the old street Øvregaten. It's the oldest building in Bergen still used for its original purpose, dating from the 12th Century when German and English stone masons were bought in to construct it. It's considered one of the most outstanding Romanesque churches in Norway. Since original construction, it has gained a Gothic choir, richly decorated portals and splendid Baroque pulpit, mostly added by the Hanseatic merchants when they "owned" it from 1408 to 1766.
I could not find a less cluttered view, unfortunately, so the traffic sign just had to stay.
Inside, complete with vaulted ceilings. I presume all the stone provided some protection from the apparently "not infrequent" conflagrations of Bergen.
The Baroque pulpit. Quite a piece of work.
The gilded triptych - the 3 sectioned piece above the altar - dates from the late Middle Ages.
The organ looks fairly modern. Recitals are held weekly during summer. Indeed, last night as I walked past here on my way to find the funicular station, somebody was playing it. Very impressive, even from outside!
Symbol of Bergen's nautical background, just near our hotel, visible in this photo. The busses are for travel to/from the airport, with the Norwegian name being "flybussen". The covered walkway is the hotel's main entrance.
Views of Bergen from Mount Fløyen
Rosenkrantz Tower and Bergenhus Fortress