Overview:

Odense Cathedral, located in the heart of Odense, Denmark, is a Lutheran church affiliated with the Church of Denmark. It is the longest and largest church in Denmark and stands as a symbol of the Protestant Reformation in the country. The original Romanesque church, dating from the 12th century, still stands today. In the 17th century it was rebuilt in the Baroque style and has additions and alterations from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is part of the Diocese of Funen and has been a cathedral since 1931. The cathedral houses one of Denmark’s oldest organs, an octagonal Baroque pulpit, and a crypt with over 650 burials. It is the burial site of Hans Christian Andersen, the well-known 19th century author, as well as several historical Danish figures. It is also the location of many weddings, baptisms, and funerals. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

Odense Cathedral is a stunning Gothic-style brick church located in the heart of Odense, Denmark. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest and most prominent buildings in the city. The building’s most striking feature is its 120-metre spire, the highest in Denmark, that dominates the city skyline. Inside, visitors can explore the church’s impressive altar and several interesting crypts. The church also houses many artworks, including a collection of 13th Century sculptures, a fresco depicting the legend of Saint Canute of Denmark, and a set of modern stained glass windows. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Odense Cathedral (Danish: Odense Domkirke) is a Lutheran cathedral located in Odense, Funen, Denmark. It is dedicated to St. Canute (Knud), the patron saint of Denmark, and is the longest and tallest church in Denmark. The history of the Odense Cathedral can be traced back to the mid-11th century when King Canute the Great (d. 1035) was buried in a Benedictine church. However, the present structure likely dates to the early 13th century when Archbishop Anders Sunesen begun construction of the Gothic style ‘St. Knud’s Church’ (later renamed Odense Cathedral). This work was completed in 1237 and the church was consecrated the following year. Over the next centuries, the church suffered from damage and neglect resulting from a variety of sources, particularly the Swedish Siege of 1644 and a major fire in 1806. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Danish National Church Council undertook a series of restoration projects that saw the addition of a wide range of Neo-Gothic elements to the design, including the dramatic decorative elements that grace the interior. After World War II, further significant improvements were made to the cathedral and in 1991, its dedication was changed from St. Knud to St. Canute in recognition of the king’s burial place. In 1992, the cathedral was listed as a national cultural heritage site. Today, Odense Cathedral is still an active church serving the people of Odense. It remains a popular tourist attraction in the city and regularly hosts cultural and musical events and ceremonies. In April 2020, the cathedral’s iconic spire was lit in rainbow-colored lights in a gesture of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, making it the first church in Denmark to do so. The cathedral is a vital part of Odense’s history and cultural identity and is visiting the city today, one can’t fail to be impressed by the monument’s captivating beauty. = You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. Odense Cathedral is the oldest and most visited church in Denmark. It is over 900 years old and was originally built in the 12th century. 2. The building was declared a cathedral in 1537 and has been the seat of the Bishop of Odense since that year. 3. The original church was built with sandstone, but later additions were made in brick and granite. 4. The cathedral is home to the tombs of King Canute IV, who was murdered in 1086, and his son Valdemar I. 5. It also contains the oldest wooden organ in Denmark, which dates back to the year 1778. 6. The towers of the cathedral feature artwork depicting scenes from the Bible, including Jesus walking on water, the Exodus from Egypt and the Resurrection. 7. The Tower of the wind, which is located at the front of the Cathedral, is the symbol of Odense and can be seen from many parts of the town. 8. There are 18 altars in the Cathedral, the most famous of which is the Upper Altar made from marble in 1596–97 by Italian sculptor Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli. 9. The Cathedral is the starting point of the Hans Christian Andersen route, which is a walking route dedicated to the 19th-century Danish author and poet. 10. The Cathedral plays a prominent role in the yearly festival ‘Odense International Film Festival’, as it is the setting for the announcement of the prizes during the festival’s award ceremony. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.