The city has been awarded the status of being a global city and was known as the “Beta World City” in 2008, and is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe as well as the European Commission intercultural cities program. Along with various other global capital cities such as Tokyo, Paris and Copenhagen, the city of Oslo is known to be one of the most expensive places in the world.
Tracing The History Of Oslo
To trace the history of Oslo, one has to go as far back as the year 1000 AD. The development of Oslo has seen various changes and transformations, especially during the Middle Ages. One of the most prominent changes through time has been the naming, renaming and reclaiming of the original name of the city through the years.
Differences In Nomenclature Through The Ages
Oslo has enjoyed various different names over the years. The town was initially known as Oslo, but a huge fire broke out in 1624 and ended up destroying large parts of the city, and after the fire, King Christian IV chose to rebuild the city below the Akershus Fortress under the new name of Christiana. In 1877, the name was changed to Kristiania. In 1925, the original name of the city, Oslo, was once again adopted.
Oslo In The Medieval Times
The Middle Ages mark the beginning of the town. The first settlement is estimated to have been established around 1000 AD, and the town was built at the foot of the Ekeberg hills. Records show that around 1300 AD, there were more than 3000 people living in the town. Oslo was the home of King Haakon V, under whom the Akershus Fortress was built.
Oslo As A Renaissance Town
Around 1536 Norway joined with Denmark, and following the great fire of 1624, King Christian decided to rebuild the town. The town was built such that the Akershus Fortress would act as a shield from attack of any sort. The town was renamed after the king as Christiana.
Oslo As A Country Capital
Norwegian territory was handed over to Swedish king Karl John as a result of the Napoleonic Wars. In 1814, Norway created its constitution and Christiana was declared as the capital of Norway. The industrial era began around 1850, and throughout the next fifty years till, the population increased rapidly.
With the special Scandinavian Capitals Tour you can visit Oslo and other important capitals in the Baltic Region with the Baltic Travel Company.