Overview:

St. Knud's Cathedral, also called Our Lady's Cathedral, is the main church of Odense in Denmark. It is the burial site of the legendary Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Built in the 12th century, it was expanded in the 13th century with a Gothic renovation and has undergone numerous restorations in the centuries that followed. The Cathedral is listed as a national treasure in Denmark and is a popular tourist attraction. Inside, visitors can view the Lord's Prayer window, installed in 1932, as well as other stained-glass windows, beautiful paintings, and hundreds of sculptures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

1. High Gothic architecture: This magnificent cathedral features some of the most impressive examples of high Gothic architectural design, with its 13th-century pointed vaults, ribbed vaulted ceilings and pointed columns. 2. Three unique towers: This beautiful cathedral features three distinctive towers, each with its own style. The European architect, Robert Jensen designed these three special towers as the Single Great Tower Tower, East Tower and West Tower. 3. Stained glass windows: St. Knud's Cathedral features two beautiful stained glass windows on the main doors, as well as other intricate designs that add a special splash of color and sparkle to the interior. 4. Bell tower: The church has a bell tower that dates back to the 17th-century, where each bell rings out a distinct peal. 5. Main altar: The main altar houses an exquisite white and gold reredos, making it an impressive focal point of the large space. 6. Crypt: The cathedral boasts an impressive crypt, decorated with numerous frescoes, which house the remains of several Danish kings. 7. Organ: The cathedral also features a large organ, where beautiful music of the Episcopal Church is performed. 8. Beautiful gardens: Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and grounds located outside of the cathedral, which give the structure an even greater dramatic atmosphere. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

St. Knud's Cathedral is a Lutheran church located in Odense, Denmark that dates back to the 12th century. The present cathedral is a result of many reconstructions, expansions, and renovations that have taken place over the centuries. The first religious structure on the site of the cathedral was established around the 1080s as a Romanesque church by the Benedictine Order, and was named St. Canute’s Church after the patron saint of Denmark, King Canute. The building was damaged by fire and rebuilt in the Gothic style, where it was consecrated in 1245. In 1480, the church was destroyed by a great fire and subsequently rebuilt in the Renaissance style by Bishop Andrew Thuras, who completed the church in 1591. During this period, the twin towers and spire were installed and the church was given its characteristic Baroque medieval style. The church underwent further renovations after a number of fires, including the 1686 fire that destroyed most of the roof and damaged parts of the structure. Reconstruction was carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, when a new organ was installed in 1778 and a new spire was added to the main tower in 1829. In 1840-41, St. Knud's underwent a major renovation, when the Romanesque chancel was restored and other modernizations were made. The most significant renovation was undertaken in the mid-20th century, which saw the installation of a new altar and the deletion of the controversial 1903 font designed by Thorvald Bindesbøll. Today, St. Knud's Cathedral is a vibrant part of the city and continues to serve as an important religious centre for the people of Odense. Sources: - https://www.danishfamilysearch.dk/sogn3072/churchbook/source17706 - http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Byer_og_bygninger/Danmark/KirkerS-S%C3%B8/St_Knuds_Kirke,_Odense - https://visitodense.com/ln-int/st-knuds-katetral-gdk976853 You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. St. Knud's Cathedral is the largest church on the island of Funen in Denmark. It is located in the city of Odense and is a Roman Catholic church. 2. St. Knud's Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in all of Denmark, with the first documented church being built on the site back in 1145. 3. The cathedral was extensively renovated in the Baroque-style in 1750, and has many of its original features still intact today. 4. The current facade of the building dates from 1864 when it was redesigned in the Gothic-style. 5. There are over 100 stained glass windows in the cathedral, which date back to the 1200s and the bishopric of Svend Estridsen. 6. In the crypt under the cathedral, you can find the final resting place of many famous Danes such as the writer Hans Christian Andersen, the politician Johan S. Clausen and the composer Niels W. Gade. 7. The Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Knud IV, who was the King of Denmark from 1080-1086 and is known for his achievements in uniting the country. 8. Every year, the renowned Danish novelist, Hans Christian Andersen, is honoured with a special festival at the cathedral during the last week in September. 9. The cathedral has an impressive organ built in 1970 by the German organ builder, Paul Ott. The organ has over 5,500 pipes and 96 stops and is one of the largest organs in Europe. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.