Interior of St Mary's Church, Bergen, Norway 1180

Here is the interior of St Mary's Church in Bergen, Norway, built during the Romanesque period. This architectural style, which flourished from around 1000 to 1250, emerged in a historical context defined by the consolidation of feudal societies and the increasing power of the Church. The church, constructed by skilled yet anonymous builders, stands as a testament to a society steeped in religious devotion, while also serving as a reflection of societal hierarchies. Its solid stone structure and the rounded arches speak to a sense of stability. Yet, the church also reflects an awareness of earthly needs: commerce. In the Middle Ages, St. Mary’s Church served as the German Hanseatic merchants’ place of worship. The altar and surrounding religious iconography would have served as the focal point for prayer, devotion, and community. The architecture and art within was designed to inspire awe and reverence, reinforcing the Church's spiritual authority. It also served as a testament to the complex intersection of religious belief and commercial exchange.