The red-brick neo-Gothic cathedral on the central square is the largest church in southern Norway, with seating for almost two thousand people. The interior is light and uncluttered, with a tall barrel-vaulted ceiling and a large altar painting by Eilif Peterssen of Christ at Emmaus. The acoustic is excellent and the church doubles as one of the city's main concert venues, particularly during the summer organ recitals.
The square outside — Kirkegata — is the centre of the Kvadraturen grid and the natural orientation point for any first walk through the city. Free to enter, open most days during the summer.