Stavanger Cathedral
The only medieval cathedral in Norway to have retained its original structure and exterior, Stavanger Cathedral is a unique church. Tradition has it that it was built in 1125 after Sigurd Jorsalfar named Stavanger as a cathedral city, and it was Bishop Reinald of Winchester who looked after its construction. It was built in Anglo-Norman style, but a gothic chancel was added in 1272. The cathedral has been in constant use since it was erected.

Domkirkeplassen
Tel: 5184 0400.
Website: www.kirken.stavanger.no
Free admission.

Norwegian Petroleum Museum
The oil industry has played a vital part in making Norway one of the world's richest countries. This museum tells the story of the industry and explains how oil and gas were originally formed and how they are extracted, refined and used. A 3D film is shown in the cinema, and visitors can take part in a virtual trip out to the oil platforms in the North Sea.

Kjeringholmen
Tel: 5193 9300.
Website: www.norskolje.museum.no
Admission charge.

Old Stavanger
Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) is a part of the old city centre that was saved from destruction when the most of the central areas were modernised after WWII. It consists of more than 170 wooden houses and cottages from the late 18th century up until the early 20th century. It has been claimed that Old Stavanger has the biggest collection of wooden houses in Europe. It is an example of a very successful combination of preservation and use, as all the houses are inhabited, and there are several cafes and antiques and arts shops in the area. The Norwegian Canning Museum (tel: 5184 2700; website: www.stavanger.museum.no) can be found at Øvre Strandgate 88.

Stavanger Maritime Museum
This museum specialises in the maritime history of the southwest coast of Norway. It has a wide variety of objects, documents and photos that give visitors an insight into the history of shipping, ship building and coastal culture generally. The museum also possesses two beautiful sailing ships and several smaller boats.

Nedre Strandgate 17-19
Tel: 5152 5911.
Website: www.stavanger.museum.no
Admission charge.

Rogaland Art Museum
This art museum is located in the idyllic Mosvann Park by the Mosvann Lake. It houses Norway's largest collection of works by the painter Lars Hertervig (1830-1902), along with works by Edvard Munch, Christian Krogh, Harriet Backer and other famous Norwegian artists from the last two centuries. The museum is also known for its creative temporary exhibitions.

Henrik Ibsens gate 55
Tel: 5153 0900.
Website: www.rkm.no
Admission charge.