16. April 2025
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Places & Sights

Torshavn Cathedral (Pictured Story)

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

One of the most iconic buildings in the Faroese capital Torshavn is indeed the Torshavn Cathedral. Named Havnar Kirkja (“Harbor Church”) or Domkirkjan (“Cathedral Church”) in the local language, it is the second oldest still existing church of the Faroe Islands. In my Pictured Story, I take you around and inside the building, which is part of the Evangelical Lutheral Church of the Faroe Islands.

 

Torshavn Cathedral – Location & Times

Torshavn Cathedral is located right North of the picturesque Old Town and thus very centrally located. The harbor as well as the main shopping area is located just steps away from the building. If you come by (rental) car, I recommend using the parking lots close to the harbor. The closest Torshavn city bus station is Steinatun, which serves all bus lines.

You can visit the churchyard any time during daytime. Getting inside the church is a bit of tricky, due to limited opening times. At the time of publishing, you could do so Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 12:00 and 16:00. During my visit, Torshavn Cathedral opened an hour later. Entry is free. There are also guided tours.

 

Pictures of Torshavn Cathedral

The original Torshavn Cathedral has already been built in 1609. However, the church as you can visit it now is based on structures built in 1788 and rebuilt in 1865. The latter rebuilding did not have a structural impact, though. Thereafter, there have been upgrades like a new sacristy and office rooms. It is also worth to walk around the building – not only due to the different views you get, but also due to the historic graveyard.

 

Inside Torshavn Cathedral

As you might see in some of the pictures, I ran into a guided tour of the church during my visit. The capacity is nowadays rather large, with 44 benches on nave / floor level and 14 ones in the gallery. The blue sky-alike roof and the ship models suspending from the ceiling are clear references to the importance of seafaring on the islands. The altarpiece shows the Last Supper.

 

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