A Timeline
Nólsoyarstova is situated in the oldest quarter of Tórshavn on a street called Gongin and was constructed in the 18th century. While there are varying opinions regarding its builders and the date of construction, it is universally acknowledged that Nólsoyarstova has always been distinctively unique.
Nólsoyarstova was famously described by the renowned Faroese writer and artist, William Heinesen, who said: "Nólsoyarstova raises itself to the sky, like a Venezian Palace."
1700
1700 – Nólsoyarstova, believed to have been built in the 18th century, carries a veil of historical uncertainty. While closely associated with Jákup Nolsøe, its origins remain a subject of debate.
1795 – Jákup Nolsøe enters service with the Danish Royal Trade Monopoly, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.
1798 – Nólsoyarstova changes hands as Jákup Nolsøe, independently or in collaboration with his brother Nólsoyar Páll, assumes ownership of the house.
1800
1809 – Napoelon Nolsøe (Jákups son) is born (presumably inside Nólsoyarstova)
1831-1851 – Jákup Nolsøe worked as factor of the Danish Royal Trade Monopoly, while living in Nólsoyarstova
1841-1842 – Napoleon completed his medical degree in Copenhagen in 1941 and returns to the Faroe Islands
1850 – Jákup Nolsøe’s granddaughter, Anna Maria Nikolina Kjærsgaard, lives with her grandfather in Nólsoyarstova. Her husband, Niels Winther, published the newspaper “Færingetidende” in the 1850’s, the first newspaper ever printed in the Faroe Islands
1800
1858 – Napoleon becomes appointed by Denmark as state doctor, the first Faroese to ever hold this position
1869 – Jákup Nolsøe passed away at 94 years old
1877-1885 – The well-known newspaper Dimmalættings printing station is located at Nólsoyarstova
1886-1910 – Sigrid Ragnhild Pálsson runs a clothing and embroidering store at Nólsoyarstova
1900
1908 – The Faroese business magnate Johan Christian Djurhuus moves into Nólsoyarstova with his family
1910 – His son, Johannes Djurhuus, established “Tjaldurs Apotek”, the first ever Faroese pharmacy at Nólsoyarstova. Sigrid Pálsson moved her business to another house close by, called “Oyspustova”
1913-1933 – Jóhannes Djurhuus becomes the royally appointed pharmacist and continues his business at Nólsoyarstova. He buys the house from his father in 1910
1929 – Another floor is built above Nólsoyarstova to be used as storage room, due to the pharmacies need for more space
1900
1933 – Johannes Djurhuus passes away. The total worth of his wares, furniture and the property totalled 25.000 Danish kroners, about 159.000 U.S dollars in today’s money
1934 – A new royal pharmacist was appointed named Johannes Aage Juhl. An auction was held for all the furniture and personal items previously owned by the late Johannes Djurhuus
1935 – Knud Lambaa and his father-in-law buy Nólsoyarstova. The house had a dual function as wholesale firm and Italian consulate
1900 and 2011
1950-1958 – The Faroese prime minister Kristian Djurhuus lives in Nólsoyarstova and uses it as his private home and official state representation
1994 – A restaurant opened in Nólsoyarstova, sharing the same name as the building. The restaurant was specialised as a fish restaurant. The Ship Financing Institute had their offices there as well but moved out in 1994
2011 – The Association of Faroese shipowners had their offices in Nólsoyarstova
2012 - 2019 – Nólsoyarstova stood empty, its condition deteriorating rapidly. The building, burdened by structural issues and locked into a restrictive contract with a foundation, could not be sold or renovated
2019 – There was finally found a solution to the legal challenges, allowing Nólsoyarstova to be sold
2019 – Anna Maria and Jógvan Hans Østerø, passionate about Faroese history and architecture, seized the opportunity to save this significant landmark. They vowed to restore Nólsoyarstova to its former glory, preserving as much of the original structure and character as possible
2020-2024 – Over the next four years, the building was meticulously restored. Each floor was transformed into a unique apartment, with original features like the large wooden floors, colorful wallpapers, and the twisted staircase preserved
Summer of 2024 – Nólsoyarstova was ready to welcome its first guests. The building now stands as a testament to Faroese history, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, while preserving the stories of the past.
2019
Gallery
