A spectacular cathedral whose architecture has been inspired by
the northern lights has launched in a town 500 kilometres north of
the Arctic Circle in Norway.
Designed by Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen in
collaboration with local company Link Arkitekter, the cathedral
opened this week, more than 10 years after its design was chosen by
the municipality of Alta. In 2001, Alta held a competition, where
it called for a design for an architectural landmark that would
highlight Alta's role as a tourism hotspot. The town was keen to
make sure that people could also see the legendary
aurora borealis. The 1,917-square-metre cathedral, which cost
€16.2 million to build over a four-year period, rises 47
metres into the air in a spiralling shape.
The outside of the building has been clad in titanium, which
reflects the northern lights. Inside, there is a functioning church
which can accommodate 350 people. There are also offices,
classrooms and exhibition areas.
The cathedral was opened by the Crown Princess of Norway,
Mette-Marit. Check out the gallery of images embedded in this