Originally, the Catholic bishop's palace (bishop's official residence) was erected as a private residence, but was taken over by the Catholic Church in 1860. This two-storied building stands on a high foundation wall - that forms the corner between the street Storgata and the town square - the corner is bevelled. The building is clad with horizontal panelling and crowned with a hipped roof. The large cross-post windows are characteristic of larger Empire style residences. Previously the building's main entrance faced the street Storgata, where there was also a double set of steps and a high rounded portal, designed in the Late Empire style. The portal is still intact, but the steps have been removed. In 1969, a fire severely damaged the building. However, it was returned to its original form through a design proposal from the architect Harry Gangvik.