Roskilde Church

On our way from Copenhagen to Odense, we hopped off the train at Roskilde to visit the Vikings Museum and to see the Roskilde Cathedral-- a UNESCO site since 1995, and you know how we feel about going to those!  This cathedral is where almost all of the Danish Kings and Queens are buried-- 38 of them.

There have been at least two churches on the site of the present cathedral.  Construction for the cathedral began in 1170 when Absalon, the founder of Copenhagen, was bishop here.  The main parts of the church were completed by 1280, but with each century and each monarch, work has continued.

center walkway

The church was Catholic before the Reformation came to Denmark in 1536.  The building was remodeled in the new Protestant style, then, including removing several of the side alters.  Since the Reformation, all of the Danish kings, most of the Danish queens,  and many of their children have been buried here. 

Danish coat of arms in silver, on the side of one of the coffins

After seeing other buildings of his, it isn't surprising to learn that Christian IV made his chapel very ornate and grandiose.  The current Queen Mathilde II has chosen to be interned in the St. Brigitte;s chapel. There was a model of her final memorial: glass and gold, supported by elephant heads. 

a model of the memorial coffins for the current Queen and her consort

Most of the monarchs' chapels are off to the sides.  They were an array of white marble to rococo gilding.  The most overwhelming to me was Christian IV's chapel.  On the wall are paintings of the King during the battle of Kolberger Heide in 1644-- where he lost his eye in battling the Swedish fleet.  King Christian IV (1577-1648) began his rule of Denmark and Norway in 1588 and is best known for the great builder of Copenhagen.  That man's initials were on practically everything in that city!

Christian IX (1863-1906) and Louise in the Glucksberger Chapel

Christian IV's Chapel, with statue of the king

pulpit and the organ

the high alter

Christian IV's chapel: Anna Catherine (fore right), Christian IV (right middle; 1588-1648), Heir Apparent Christian (back right), Sophie Amalie (fore left), Frederik III (far left; 1648-1670)

Frederik II (1559-1588) and Sophie in the Chapel of the Magi

 Royal sarcophaguses behind the high alter: Louise (left), Duke Christopher (middle), Frederik IV (foreright), and Christian V (back right).

the center aisle towards the High Alter

Krag's Chapel

Christian VI (1730-1746; middle), Frederik VII (1848-1863; left), and Louise of Hessen

Frederik V (1746-1766)

behind the high alter, looking to the dome

choir stalls

Fred the 8th

16th century clock with St. George charging the dragon every hour

Queen Margrethe I (1375-1412)