According to tradition the cathedral was built in the year 1125, after Sigurd Jorsalfarer named Stavanger as a cathedral city. Bishop Reinald of Winchester was responsible for its construction. The church was built in Anglo-Norman style, probably by English craftsmen. The church' patron saint is St. Svithun, and it is reputed that his arm was one of the church' original relics.

In 1272 the cathedral was damaged by fire, after which it received a new chancel built in the Gothic style. Stavanger Cathedral is the only Norwegian cathedral from the Middle Ages that has retained its original appearance and been in constant use.

Opening hours:
Mon-Sun 11am-7pm, June-Aug.
Tue-Thurs and Sat 11am-4pm, Sept-May, closed Mon and Fri.

High Mass every Sunday at 11am.
Morning Mass in the Bishop's Chapel every Wednesday at 8am
Thursdays 11.15-11.45. Thursday Mass.