Page 5 - 2003 SVALBARD, NORWAY

King Christian IV who actually lived in the city and revitalized it

during the 1600s. Until the 1500s, Norway was independent, then
it was conquered by Denmark and ruled as part of the Danish

realm. Later, Norway became part of a Swedish union and was
governed through that country’s monarchs and parliament. Only

in 1905 did Norway become an independent country. It is now
governed by a constitutional and hereditary monarchy, descended
from Jean-Marie Bernadotte and Desiree of Napoleonic fame.

CITY TOUR
Our city tour drove us by the Royal Palace, the Royal Gardens,

even the royal barns and cows as well as the King’s Summer
Residence. We also saw the Akershus Fortress dating from 1200s

which was never conquered. Though started as a royal dwelling, it
became strictly a fortress in 1582. It is now the scene of festivities,

official rites and visits from other heads of state as well as a park
which can be visited and enjoyed by the Norwegians and their
many tourists from other countries. However, not by us, since

there was not sufficient time. The Town Hall is the site for the
awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, won by Jimmy Carter last year.

It has an impressive entrance between two square towers,
reminiscent of Viking days.

Vigeland Sculpture Garden In The Frognerpark

We did emerge from the buses to see the Vigeland Sculpture
Garden in the Frognerpark. Gustav Vigeland was Norway’s most
famous sculpture and did create a monumental legacy for the

country, with the government’s economic support. It was finished
in 1942, having been started 30 years previously. There are about

200 different statues and a magnificent monolith showing human
beings striving for resurrection from death to life.