Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Sitting on a small hilltop overlooking the Roskilde Fjord, the cathedral is a majestic iconic landmark. It influenced the construction of further Brick Gothic churches, as Christianity spread throughout Europe, carrying a common language and understanding across the continent.
The famous baroque organ, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The cathedral is Denmark’s most important church building. It was the first Gothic monument to be built in the Nordic region, and is still used today as the final resting place of the Danish monarchy, as well as being a busy parish church and a venue for a range of music events.
Northern Porch, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century. Its design was based on the incoming architectural style from France and was probably also inspired by the large brick Gothic churches in Northern Germany.
Absalon’s arch (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Work on the cathedral was completed in around 1200, with some 2.5 million hand-produced bricks being used in the construction of its main structure. The cathedral’s vaulted ceilings, pointed arches and external buttresses were an architectural innovation.
A dog footprint, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Brickmaking had been introduced into Denmark in the mid-12th century and was a technique that would revolutionise construction. Brick was a more durable and fire resistant alternative to wood, and so it was decided that the cathedral would be built in this new material.
Wooden structure of the Cathedral’s roof (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Restoration works in 1635, carried out under the orders of King Christian IV, included the addition of the cathedral’s iconic spires and a radical redesign of the roof. Much of the roof’s original wooden structure was reconstructed after it was ravaged by fire in 1968.
The chancel, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Not only does the cathedral represent the earliest use of brick in the construction of large religious buildings in northern Europe, but its rich history is intertwined with that of the Danish monarchy.
Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
A 1000-year-old chronicle relates that the first religious structure on the site was a wooden church, which was built by the Viking king, Harald Bluetooth, who would later be buried here. It was replaced in about 1080 with a building made of travertine (a type of limestone).
Chapel of the Three Kings, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
In the centuries that followed, up to and including the 20th century in fact, side chapels and porches were added to the building to house the elaborate royal funerary monuments that would provide a final resting place for the country’s kings and queens.
The Glücksburger Chapel, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Each addition to the cathedral was made in the contemporary architectural style of the time, presenting a clear illustration of the development of European religious architecture over eight centuries.
Frederik V’s Chapel, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The chapels are all built in red brick, but from within, each room presents its own, individual architectural experience, from Gothic and Renaissance to neoclassicist, historicist and modernist.
Margrete I, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The cathedral serves as a mausoleum for some forty kings and queens; indeed, since the Reformation in the 15th century, all but one of Denmark’s monarchs have been laid to rest here. Many members of the Danish nobility are also buried here.
Sweyn Estridsen’s grave, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The first royal burial to be dated with certainty is that of King Sweyn Estridsen in 1076. His bones were first buried in the travertine church and later moved to the new brick cathedral.
The cathedral has many extraordinary features:
A Putti in the Chapel of the Three Kings (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The elaborately decorated two-storeyed Chapel of the Magi is named for the Three Kings who form part of the rich late-medieval murals which entirely cover its wall and vaults. Buried here are three kings and their corresponding queens.
Christian IV’s Chapel, Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Completed in 1641, Christian IV’s chapel features a beautiful, vaulted blue ceiling, decorated with stars, and a statue of the king. The entire chapel was later decorated using the technique known as trompe l’oeil, which creates the illusion of a real object or scene.
Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The sarcophagi of King Christian V and Queen Charlotte Amalie are magnificent examples of Baroque Art. Amongst the rich embellishments that can be observed on their marble exterior are numerous skulls, which portray the message that we are mere mortals and that life is short.
Frederik IX’s burial site on the Cathedral Square (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
The latest addition to the cathedral in 1985, Frederik IX’s burial site is the only one to be detached from the main building. In 2000, his wife, Queen Ingrid, was also laid to rest here. The small open mausoleum is simple; a great example of modern, functional architecture.
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The grandeur of the cathedral’s interior, with its ornate chapels and beautifully crafted tombs, reflects both the religious devotion of the past and the artistic prowess of the craftsmen who contributed to its creation.
The towers of Roskilde Cathedral (1995) by Roskilde CathedralUNESCO World Heritage
Meanwhile, on the outside, the cathedral's soaring spires and intricate detailing capture the eye and imagination of all who visit. The towers reach 133 metres above sea level and are visible from afar.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Roskilde Cathedral has played a vital role in the cultural heritage of Denmark. The cathedral also stands as a place of worship and contemplation, inviting both locals and tourists to reflect on the cathedral’s impressive 1000-year history.
This exhibit was created by Roskilde Domkirke: roskildedomkirke.dk/english/
More on the Roskilde Cathedral and World Heritage: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/695
Photos: Mik Dahl Storyflight, Roberto Fortuna, Sara Peuron-Berg,
Henrik Wichmann, Jan Friis, Jacob Surland.
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