Marinen

Today, Marinen is one of Trondheim’s most popular green spaces. In the summer, people sit on the grass with the Nidelva River on one side and Nidaros Cathedral just behind them. But the area has a much more military background. Marinen was originally part of the city’s defences along the river. Together with bastions, earthworks, and palisades, the area was meant to protect Trondheim from attacks from the water. Its location was strategic: right between the river and some of the city’s most important centres of power, such as Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. In the early 19th century, the area took on a new function. After the British attacks on Copenhagen in 1801 and 1807, it became clear how vulnerable Nordic cities could be from the sea. Marinen was therefore used as a storage and maintenance area, and as a small shipyard for naval vessels such as gunboats. Earlier, many buildings stood along the riverbank, stretching down towards Elgeseter. Most of them are gone today, either demolished or lost to fire. Today, Marinen is an open urban space for recreation. An area that has moved from defence and military readiness – to picnics, concerts, and everyday city life.