Ålesund is a sea port famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Like Stavanger and Bergen, the town was populated by wooden buildings. However, in January 1904, the town was nearly destroyed by fire. Only one person died, but 10,000 were left homeless. After a period of planning, the town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style. It has a wonderful museum, the Jugenstilsenteret, dedicated to Art Nouveau.
