- Address: Klosterbakken 2, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Phone: +45 66 12 03 92
- Official website: www.odense-domain.com.dk
- E-mail: sktknuds.domsogn@km.dk
- Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 17.00, Sunday 12.00 - 16.00
One of the main historical monuments of Odense - the Cathedral of St. Knud, located in the heart of the city, on the river bank. In addition to the fact that the building of the cathedral itself is a wonderful example of classical Danish Gothic, there are kept ancient Christian relics and the tomb of the royal family. The most popular among visitors to the crypt, where the remains of the patron saint of Denmark are buried, his weapons and military vestments are displayed.
What can you see?
According to legend, in 1086 during the prayer at the monastery of St. Alban in Odense, the Danish king Knud IV, his brother and faithful knights were killed by conspirators. After the killing of the king, the country experienced several years of drought and famine, which was perceived by the Danes as a heavenly punishment for the sacrilege committed in the church. Then there were rumors of miraculous healings on the tomb of Knud, and the church canonized it already in 1101. Especially for the burial of the king on the hill of Klosterbakken was erected a wooden church. And today the remains of its foundation can be seen in the crypt of the cathedral.
In 1247 a civil war broke out, which left only ashes from the church. Forty years later, Bishop Odense laid a new temple on this land, the construction of which lasted more than two hundred years.
When the construction came to an end, representatives of the royal family were reburied to the new church and the famous gilded altar was transported from the royal chapel. The large-scale carved triptych contains several hundred images of Danish kings and saints. The fact that the altar has been preserved for so many years - surprisingly, at present it is one of the main national relics of Denmark.
How to get there?
To get to the Cathedral of Saint Knud in Odense, the easiest way is by bus - routes No. 10, 110, 111, 112, Klingenberg stop. Doors of the cathedral are open for visits daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (Sunday - 12:00 - 16:00)
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