The history of the church goes back over 900 years. St. Knud's is the third church on this location. The first was built in 1095. After it partially burned down in 1247, the Bishop of Odense began to convert it, increasing it in size. This "rebuild" went on for almost 300 years! (Obviously major problems with contractors!). The church, as it stands today, was completed in the 1580s.
The church is named for King Knut of Denmark. He reigned from 1080 to 1086. The King was killed on July 10th, 1086 by rebels in the Church of St. Albania's (I can see that steeple from my bedroom window). His brother Benedikt and 17 others were attempting to defend him in the church and were killed as well. The King had sought refuge in the church from a rebel uprising. In 1100, Knud was made the first Saint of the Danish Catholic church.
St. Knut's remains, along with his brother's, are on display in the church.
St. Knud's Church
There is a magnificent organ built in 1756
The arched ceiling is beautiful
In the 1700s, wealthy families of Odense built their own chapels and crypts in the church. Entire families lie together here.
Hans Christian Anderson was confirmed here in 1819
This is the lower room where King Knud and his brother are
King Knut's remains
His brother Benedikt's remains
The Baptismal font, dating from 1620
The Pulpit, built in 1756
This is the Altarpiece, carved from 1513 to 1523 by Claus Berg. This is consided to be the most beautiful work of medieval art in Denmark
And there were stone carvings everywhere
Next on my list of churches to explore is St. Albania's.
Hi Bill
ReplyDeleteWanted to let you know that I finally remembered that bar that you have to go to. It's called "Karlsens Kvarter". I promise you'll like it :)