Royal wedding spurs Cathedral facelift

The interior of Oslo's cathedral is overdue for renovation.

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It took a looming Royal Wedding for politicians to release funds for a long-needed renovation of Oslo's Cathedral. The cathedral in the heart of the city will get NOK 6 million for cosmetic repairs.

The money will only cover the most visibly needed repairs, including indoor painting and renovation. Crown Prince Haakon Magnus and his live-in girlfriend Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby will exchange vows before some 800 guests inside the cathedral, called Domkirken, on August 25.

Clergymen at the cathedral are pleased with the funds allocation, which the city and the federal government will share by forking over NOK 3 million (about US$330,000) each.

Not everyone is satisfied, however. The money won't cover needed exterior repairs or rehabilitation of other rooms within the cathedral. One Member of Parliament from the Christian Democrats said he will lobby for an additional appropriation of at least NOK 2 million.

Aftenposten Interactive English Desk
Nina Berglund