Culture of Alesund. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

A devastating fire destroyed almost all historic buildings in Alesund. Nevertheless, the town is considered one of the best destinations for sightseeing in Norway. Alesund is famous for its architectural landmarks and cultural centers. The main church in the town – Alesund Church – is a gorgeous example of medieval architecture. Although it was built in 1909, the church looks like typical buildings of the 10th – 12th centuries in the region. Dark-shaded marble was selected as the main building material for the church. Alesund Church is a large building that can provide space for up to 800 visitors. The church is also famous for its luxurious inner décor and the largest pipe organ in Norway. You will have an opportunity to admire gorgeous decorations made from wood and marble. By the way, the church frequently hosts organ music concerts. Stained-glass windows and fabulous paintings make the church even more attractive. The design of Alesund Church has been unchanged since its construction.

Aalesunds Museum is open in a beautiful building with a bright orange façade. This is the main museum in Alesund. A significant part of the museum’s collection is dedicated to the beginning of the 20th century. This is when the town was restored after the fire. You will learn how the town literally rose from ashes and see an interesting collection of items dedicated to traditional crafts. The museum has collections of earlier periods including the artifacts discovered by archaeologists. Old boats and roofed ships that local sailors used centuries ago are among the most interesting exhibits.

Jugendstilsenteret is a no less interesting museum. It is open in a building that resembles a small and old castle. This museum is dedicated to the Art Nouveau style – it was decided to use this architectural style when the town was restored after the fire. In this museum, you can see the exquisite contemporary design, gorgeous antique furniture, and precious artifacts. Jugendstilsenteret features an interesting collection of artworks with multiple works of famous modernist painters from different countries. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fiskerimuseet or Fisheries Museum is located near the coast. It is safe to say that this is one of the most symbolic cultural venues in this Norwegian town. The museum is open in an old warehouse. It exhibits an interesting collection of items dedicated to fishing and fish processing. Fishing has always been one of the major occupations and sources of income for local people. In the museum, you can see old vessels that sailors were using many years ago. Fiskerimuseet exhibits countless fishing devices and appliances, the purpose of some of which is even hard to guess. During an excursion in this museum, you can learn more about the incredible secrets of this craft.

Alesund suburbs are also rich in interesting landmarks. Visit the old Alnes Lighthouse that is located approximately a 20-minute drive from the town. The lighthouse is located in the picturesque village of Alnes, the population of which mostly does fishing for a living. The gorgeous lighthouse painted in white and red remains the main symbol of the old village. Alnes Lighthouse was built from wood more than a century ago, and it has survived to this day in an unaltered way.

The central part of Alesund is a unique architectural ensemble in the modern style. Every building here is a unique architectural attraction. The building of the Brosundet Hotel is one of the most famous in the town. The historical hotel has an eye-catching design with genuine antiquities and valuable artworks.

Don’t forget to visit Waldehuset Museum, a small private museum that will take you a hundred years back. The museum is open in a wonderful mansion. It carefully recreates the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century. The museum features premium old furniture, vintage tableware, candleholders, and other elements of décor that were in almost all houses of local people. The museum also exhibits quite unusual artifacts such as antique shoes and even old smoothing irons. There is a small souvenir shop in Waldehuset Museum where visitors can purchase interesting vintage accessories and various handcrafts.

If you are a connoisseur of modern art, head to the Galleri Artifex. Many tourists visit this gallery as a museum but absolutely all artworks exhibited in the gallery are available for sale. Galleri Artifex offers exquisite porcelain tableware, handmade icons, paintings in different styles, and works of famous photographers.