Gumbo was visiting the interesting Roskilde Cathedral, located on the island of Zealand. The puzzle was correctly solved by Professor Abe, George G, PortMoresby, and GarryRF — congratulations to all on a job well done!
(some of the side chapels in Roskilde Cathedral)
Roskilde was named the capital of Denmark by King Harald Bluetooth in the late 10th century. King Bluetooth built a wood church in the city, next to his royal farm. A series of progressively larger and better built churches was constructed in Roskilde, with today’s cathedral being about 800 years old.
This medieval cathedral is thought to be the most important church in Denmark as it is where Danish Kings and Queens have been buried since the 15th century. In 1995 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its architecture and and significance to Danish culture. The cathedral attracts about 165,000 visitors ever year (pre-CoVid).
Roskilde Cathedral is one of the earliest examples in Scandinavia of a Gothic cathedral constructed of brick (some 2.5 million were used in its construction) — a trend which subsequently spread throughout the region. The church was built in the 12th and 13th century and has since had burial chapels added on, so there is not single uniform architectural style.
(the nave)
When popular Queen Margrethe I died in 1412, she was buried in her family’s chapel at Sorø Klosterkircke. The following year her body was brought to Roskilde Cathedral where she rests to this day. Queen Margrethe I united Denmark, Norway and Sweden under Danish rule in 1397.
(The sarcophagus of Queen Margrethe the 1st)
The Protestant Reformation arrived in Denmark in 1536 and the church’s Bishop was jailed. The church’s property was seized by the government and it within a few years it was converted to a Protestant church.
After the Reformation, the cathedral was opened up to the public, requiring the purchase of pews. The choir was left intact and you can see it’s interesting carvings to this day….
Some of the choir scenes are quite gruesome, and convey a powerful visual message.
The church was endowed with a variety of gifts from King Christian IV, including its magnificent altarpiece….
(Roskilde’s beautifully detailed altarpiece)
Christian IV also gave the church a royal box in 1600….
…and this finely detailed pulpit in 1610…..
Christian IV’s final gift to the church was the construction of the highly recognizable twin spires in 1633.
Other highlights of the church include an impressive pipe organ….
An ancient clock that chimes on the hour…
And an interesting baptismal font….
On 26 February 1658, the Treaty of Roskilde was signed in the cathedral. Included in the plunder the Swedes took was Margreth I’s golden dress which is now located at Uppsala Cathedral.
More than anything else you note about the cathedral are the many sarcophagi and graves scattered throughout the building. These are too many to detail in this blog, but some images of them are attached. Almost 50 kings and queens of Denmark are buried here, and even more royal children in the crypt, more than at any other Cathedral in Europe. Viking kings Harold Bluetooth (d. 985) and his son, Sweyn Forkbeard (d. 1014) conqueror of England, are buried here, though we never spotted their graves.
It is in the side chapels containing the sarcophagi that the architectural variety of the cathedral becomes apparent.
There is even a separate space for royal children who have passed away in the crypt….
In 2018, the future resting places and monument for the current queen of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, were placed in the chapel of St. Brigitte. The design was created by a Danish sculptor Bjørn Nørgaard. The monument is not open until the general public while the queen still lives.
(Photo of Queen Margrethe II’s completed tomb, Photo courtesy Keld Navntoft, Danish Royal Court)
How to get there:
Roskilde cathedral is easily reached by train from Copenhagen Central Train Station. The train ride goes quickly and you’ll arrive in this pleasant city in about 30 minutes. From the Roskilde train station it’s a 10 minutes’ walk to the cathedral.
The church has an active congregation to this day and also hosts concerts through the year so keep this in mind as you plan your visit.
Admission for adults is 60 DKK, with discounts for seniors and children admitted free. Admission to the cathedral and the train ride here are covered by your purchase of the Copenhagen Card.
