Since 1946, archaeological excavations have uncovered most of the bishop’s palace, and several buildings related to it, giving us more insight into everyday life in the Middle Ages, and also extensive knowledge of warfare, since the final destruction of the palace took place during the Seven Years War in 1567. The excavation work continues little by little, and we can only dream of what future excavations will bring us of knowledge...
The traces of the medieval town of Hamar, Norway’s only inland town, is difficult to spot today. If you go from downtown Hamar, through the residential areas, the landscape opens out to Domkirkeodden, where the market town once flourished. Today the area is dominated by green fields, majestic trees and all the buildings that comprise the Hedmarksmuseum. The first building you see is the lofty stone barn of Storhamar Farm, built on top of and around the ruins of the bishop’s palace. The cathedral ruins lie further behind, with a structure of glass build over to protect them. Close by, the waters of the lake lap lazily on shores once busy with merchants and craftsmen. Large grassy slopes have taken over the ground where once was found St. Olav’s Priory, the Cathedral School and the canons’ houses. It requires a stretch of imagination to envisage the situation 450 years ago, when the Episcopal seat was situated surrounded by the buildings that were a natural part of a township with merchants and craftsmen.
Hamar was the only of Norway’s administrative centres during the Middle Ages that perished after the Reformation. The once imposing cathedral and the high walls of the bishop’s palace no longer dominate the area. Modern Hamar is located further east than the medieval town. The remains of the monastery, the hospital, the cathedral school and town houses now lie beneath the turf of today’s recreational area of Domkirkeodden.