Overview:

Viborg Cathedral is one of the oldest and most prominent churches in Denmark. It is a Romanesque and Gothic building, dating from the 12th century. The building has a long history, and has served as an important spiritual center for centuries. The building was originally a Romanesque basilica, built following the traditional Roman plan. In the 13th century, the church was renovated in a Gothic style, with an extended nave and side aisles. The original Romanesque aisles and transepts are still visible. The cathedral is now decorated in a light Neo-Gothic style, and contains many important artefacts from the Middle Ages. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Bishop Jens Grand, who served as the Prince-bishop from 1495 to 1523. The Bishopric of Viborg is also said to have been the first in Denmark to introduce the Reformation to the area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

1. Romanesque Tower: The oldest structure of the Viborg Cathedral, the 40-meter Romanesque tower was constructed in the 12th century. It was originally the main entrance of the cathedral. 2. Gothic Choir: The impressive Gothic choir was built in the mid-14th century and is located between the nave and the chancel. It has an ornate wooden screen and vaulted ceiling with beautiful ribbed arches, and marble steps. 3. Baroque Columns: The church features Baroque columns lining the nave. 4. Tombstone of Niels Ebbesen: This 13th-century tombstone is one of the oldest elements of the Viborg Cathedral. It commemorates the legend of Niels Ebbesen, a Viking warrior who fought to protect Denmark from the Germans in twelfth-century. 5. Parish Halls and Crypt: The cathedral also includes a series of parish halls and a crypt, built during the 16th and 17th centuries. 6. Medieval Wall Paintings: The interior of the Viborg Cathedral is decorated with medieval wall paintings dating back to the 13th century. 7. Bronze Eagle: The ceiling of the choir features a bronze eagle, which is said to have been gifted to Viborg Cathedral in 1874 by King Christian IX. 8. Memorial to Danish Soldiers: The crypt of Viborg Cathedral also contains a memorial to Danish soldiers who lost their lives in the 19th-century wars of the Schleswig-Holstein. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Viborg Cathedral is a historic Lutheran cathedral in the city of Viborg, Denmark. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is Denmark's second-largest church after the Roskilde Cathedral. It has served as a church, bishop's office, and more throughout its history and is an important cultural monument. The first church on the site of the current cathedral was probably founded in the mid 11th century. It was destroyed in 1130 and replaced by a Romanesque church constructed between 1130 and 1170. Records of the first bishop in 1156 indicate that the church was the seat of a bishopric. The church was likely extended and rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1536, Viborg was taken by Christian III in the course of the Reformation. The chapter and the diocese were abolished and the church plundered. However, it continued to serve as a Lutheran parish church. During the 1600s, the church was restored in the Renaissance style, and further renovations were carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1923, the church was declared a cathedral. Today, the cathedral serves as the main parish church for the city and has become a major tourist attraction in Viborg. The historic building is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. It is part of the Viborg Cathedral School, which is the only cathedral school in Denmark. The church also houses the Museum of Religious Art, with exhibits spanning 1000 years of art history. The cathedral has undergone a thorough renovation and restoration process in the early 21st century, which is scheduled for completion in 2020. The construction has ensured that the building still stands in its original style, attracting visitors from far and wide. The cathedral's most famous artworks include Bernhard Seilnach's 18th century painting 'The Last Supper' and Sir Peter Paul Rubens' painting 'The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas of Canterbury'. The cathedral has been recognized as a 'cultural beacon' in Denmark, and has been listed on the Danish Heritage Agency's list of architectural monuments since 2012. It is one of the most beloved and iconic landmarks in the country and an integral part of the Danish cultural landscape. You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. Viborg Cathedral, located in Denmark, is one of the oldest and most impressive Cathedrals in Denmark. 2. The original structure was built in the 11th century however the structure was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1226. 3. The current structure was built in the late 12th century and was consecrated in 1230. 4. Viborg Cathedral features a unique crypt, one of the largest in all of Scandinavia. 5. The crypt is home to the relics of the original structure, including 84 graves of Danish Kings, Queens and noblemen. 6. Viborg Cathedral also has one of the only “double-choirs” in Scandinavia, which is used rarely today but used to be used more often in the past. 7. The Cathedral is also home to two towers, one of which is 55 meters tall while the other is 57 meters tall. 8. Inside the Cathedral, there are more than 50 modern stained-glass windows that were installed in the late 19th century. 9. For centuries, Viborg Cathedral was the center of the Danish Lutheran Church and has been visited by Popes and other renowned figures throughout its history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.