There are various styles of church architecture around Europe depending on when the church or cathedral was built. During the Middle Ages (between the 5th and 15th centuries), stone cathedrals were constructed across Europe. They were built as a creative expression of faith. These cathedrals took decades (even centuries) to complete, so a majority of people who worked on the construction did not expect to see it completed in their lifetimes.

 

In Norway, some cathedrals were constructed out of wood (known as “stav” churches) using the same techniques as the stone cathedrals around Europe. However, there were also cathedrals in Norway built out of stone. The church in Roros was built in 1784 and is known as “The Mountain Cathedral” and is made of stone not wood (unlike the buildings surrounding the church). As one of the largest churches in Norway, the church in Roros has around 1600 seats.