Old Stavanger contains 173 closely built, small wooden houses, all under preservation order. In 1975, the UN Architectural Heritage Year, Gamle Stavanger was selected as one of three Norwegian pilot projects - along with Røros and Nusfjord.

The preservation of Gamle Stavanger has merited several respected international awards. This section of the town is like a living museum, with residents of all ages.

Yet another resource from under the sea - oil has brought the development of the town even further these last 30 years.