This cathedral was constructed from 1152 to 1200 and it served as the seat of the old Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamar until the Protestant Reformation.

The church remained in existence until 1567 when it was burned down by the Swedish Army during the Northern Seven Years' War.

The architect of the new whitewashed brick cathedral was Heinrich Ernst Schirmer and the local general contractor was Herman Frang.

The exterior of the church received a facelift in the late autumn of 1949, when the plaster was restored in connection with the city's centennial celebrations.

All that remains from the earlier set-up are the supporting structure for the organ loft, the baptismal font and two silver candlestick holders.

In the choir, the trusses were completely hidden, while the roof of the nave was given a raised middle part similar to a basilica.

On the side panels, Sørensen depicted the anxious mother and Hans Nielsen Hauge's awakening.