Stiftsgården

Stiftsgården is the royal residence in Trondheim and the largest wooden palace in the Nordic region. The building was constructed between 1774 and 1778 for Cecilie Christine von Schøller, one of the richest and most influential women in 18th-century Trondheim. She belonged to the city’s elite, and Stiftsgården clearly shows the wealth and status that some families had at that time. Although the building is made of wood, it was designed as an elegant palace, with elements of both Rococo and Classicism. The main wing is long and impressive, and the building has around 140 rooms, spread across approximately 4,000 square metres. In 1800, Stiftsgården was sold to the state. It was first used as an official residence and later became a royal residence. In 1906, it formally became the official royal residence in Trondheim. Stiftsgården has been the setting for several important events, including coronations, royal blessing ceremonies and official visits. When the royal family is not using the building, parts of it are open to the public. Stiftsgården shows another side of Trondheim: not only medieval history, seafaring and trade, but also power, wealth and royal representation.