Heritage Sites in Rogaland

Rogaland’s history is preserved in its diverse archaeological and architectural landmarks. This collection spans from the Stone Age cave of Svarthola to the medieval Stavanger Cathedral, Norway’s oldest cathedral. It includes ancient megaliths like the Stoplesteinan stone circle and the Iron Age Rosslandsguden artifact. Modern history is represented by the Sirevåg Kystfort, a WWII coastal defense site, and the Broken Chain monument, which commemorates the Alexander L. Kielland oil rig disaster.

Justyna Sabalska / CC-BY-SA

A

Stavanger Cathedral

Stavanger Cathedral is Norway's oldest cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Stavanger who leads the Diocese of Stavanger in the Church…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

B

Broken Chain

A monument at Smiodden commemorating the 123 victims of the 1980 Alexander L. Kielland oil rig disaster. The sculpture, created by Johannes Block Hellum, depicts a massive broken anchor chain.

Jarvin / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Rosslandsguden

A 61-centimeter stone head carved from local labradorite. Discovered in the early 18th century, this Iron Age artifact is believed to represent a pagan deity used in ancient fertility cults.

Jarvin / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Sola Ruinkyrkje

A restored medieval stone church dating back to approximately 1150. Built on the site of an earlier wooden structure, the ruins were reconstructed in the 1990s and now serve as a cultural venue.