Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde) : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Situated in the old Viking capital of Denmark, Roskilde Cathedral is one of the country’s oldest and most well-preserved churches. This Gothic style cathedral, which dates back to 1170, is packed with interesting facts, information, and a travel guide to this stunning landmark. Not only is the incredible architecture worth admiring, but the church has also been home to some significant events in Danish history, including the official coronation of the nation’s kings and queens. With so much to learn and experience, this blog guide provides an in-depth look at Roskilde and its fascinating history.

Interesting Facts About Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde)

1. Roskilde Cathedral is the longest Cathedral in Europe with a total length of over 250 meters.

2. The Cathedral is the resting place of 40 Danish monarchs, including 35 kings and 5 queens.

3. It has also long been a traditional site for coronations since 1417, with the last coronation to take place being that of Christian X in 1912.

4. The original church making up the earliest parts of the Cathedral itself was built in 1170, completing the late Romanesque church.

5. The Cathedral was significantly damaged by fire in 1533 and much of the current Gothic architecture dates from the repair and rebuild from 1534-1534.

6. It was the first cathedral of its kind to have a nave with double aisles between 1685-1720.

7. Since 1995, Roskilde Cathedral is the first the European Church to be awarded a WHD Certificate of Excellence for the organisations advanced work on heritage conservation and help inform the local community.

8. In April 2016, the Cathedral was illuminated using solar powered LED lights for the first time in its history.

9. The Cathedral is also known for its iconic window arches which are decorated with stained glass dating back to the mid-1600s.

10. The Roskilde Festival, a massive rock music festival, has been held each year since 1971 on the grounds of the Cathedral.

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History & Information About Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde)

Roskilde Cathedral (Danish: Roskilde Domkirke) is a cathedral located in the city of Roskilde in Denmark. It is the oldest and most important cathedral in Denmark and has been the burial site of Danish monarchy since the 15th century. The building of the cathedral began in 1170 and was completed in 1295.

Over the years, Roskilde Cathedral has been subject to frequent alterations and restorations. As recently as 2018, the church underwent ten years of major restoration projects that aimed to preserve and strengthen the cathedral structure.

The exterior of Roskilde Cathedral is mostly built in brick in the Gothic style and is considered one of the finest specimens of Gothic architecture in Scandinavia. The cathedral has a capacity of 1,500 people and remains an important part of the religious and cultural life in Denmark.

The tomb of King Charles X Gustav, who died in 1660, can be found inside the cathedral. In addition, in 1995, the bones of Danish royal family members were laid to rest in the crypt of the cathedral. Roskilde Cathedral also contains the tombs of the Danish Queen Ingeborg, her daughter Margaret I, and various other Danish kings and queens.

Roskilde Cathedral has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995 due to its importance as a site of royal burials and its status as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Scandinavia. The cathedral is visited by over 50,000 people every year, making it one of Denmark’s most popular attractions.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde)

Roskilde Cathedral (Danish: Roskildes Domkirke) is the oldest cathedral and one of the greatest cultural treasures in Denmark. Situated in Roskilde, 20 miles from the capital, Copenhagen, it is an architectural masterpiece and a World Heritage Site.

1. Getting There

The easiest way to get to Roskilde Cathedral is by train from Copenhagen. Trains run frequently from Copenhagen’s Central Station. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the station in Roskilde, from where it is a short walk to the cathedral. Visitors can also book bus and boat tours to Roskilde from Copenhagen.

2. Opening Hours

The cathedral is open every day of the year from 9 AM to 4 PM. The crypt, treasury and gift shop open earlier at 8:30 AM but there is no entrance fee.

3. Guided Tours

Guided tours of the cathedral are available in English, German and Danish. These are included with the ticket price. There is also an optional audio guide, available in English, German, French, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

4. The Cathedral

The cathedral’s interior and exterior is very impressive and the vaults are particularly noteworthy. The building dates from the 12th century and is filled with a great selection of religious art and sculpture, including a 600 year old fresco.

5. Churches and Monasteries

In addition to the cathedral, there are also various other churches and monasteries to explore. These include the romantic ruins of Our Lady’s Church, the 48th century cloister of Jægersborg Monastery and the 13th century Church of the Virgin Mary.

6. Other Attractions

Other attractions in the town of Roskilde include the Viking Ship Museum, the 11th century Roskilde Palace, the Frederiksborg Castle and the National Museum of Denmark. There are also various excellent restaurants and cafes in the town.

7. Stay in a Monastery

Visitors who would like to stay in a monastery can book rooms at the picturesque Jægersborg Monastery. The old monastery building features beautiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde)

Q. When was the Roskilde Cathedral built?
A. The Roskilde Cathedral was built in 1169 and completed in 1226.

Q. Who is the Patron Saint of the Roskilde Cathedral?
A. Saint Olav is the Patron Saint of the Roskilde Cathedral.

Q. What is the architecture of the Roskilde Cathedral?
A. The Roskilde Cathedral is a Gothic brick building.

Q. Who is responsible for the design of the Roskilde Cathedral?
A. Bishop Absalon is credited with the design of the Roskilde Cathedral.

Q. What is the purpose of the Roskilde Cathedral?
A. The Roskilde Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and serves as a place of worship. It was also the traditional burial site of the Danish monarchy for many centuries.

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