Roskilde Cathedral
The red brick Gothic cathedral in Roskilde dates from about 1280. Since then each century has added its own extensions in various styles. The interior of the cathedral has been changed in the course of time too. Before 1536 the cathedral was Catholic. After the Reformation the side altars were removed and new furniture was installed for the new Protestant service.
Roskilde Cathedral was admitted to the World Heritage List in 1995. As reasons for inclusion its role in the use of brick for religious buildings, the succesive architectural styles and the mausoleum of the Danish Royal Family were named.
Visit October 2005
Of the about 100 Christian sites (churches, cathedrals, monasteries) on the List, only a few are related to Protestantism. The Luther memorials in Germany are the most prominent example of these. Roskilde Cathedral is another one: not so obvious maybe (it started out as a Catholic church), but the Reformation had a profound influence here. The interior was profoundly changed after the transition to Protestantism. In a way, its brick walls (already devised in the 1170's) add to the purity and austerity of the Reformation too.
Usually I don't get too excited about visiting another Gothic cathedral, but I must admit that this one has something 'extra' that a spot in the Top 1000 of world monuments seems to be deserved.
This 'extra' can be contributed to it being Protestant (as explained above), but also to all add-ons that were attached over the ages.
Each chapel has its own look, both inside and outside, and is an example of the fashionable architectural style during the period of its construction. One of the most beautoful of these, the Chapel of the Magi (1463), unfortunately was closed for restoration when I visited. However you can peek inside and admire its delicate mural paintings.
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
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My name is Carolyn Balle and like Annie I too are related to the Balles mentioned in her story.I had the privilege of staying with direct relatives in Denmark in September this year.Eric and Lise Balle.I was taken to the town of Balle where our ancestors once resided.We visited the local Church where our great grandfather has written numerous carols.My trip was a tribute to my late father Ivan Stanley James Balle and to whom I promised that I would get to Denmark one day and see our roots.I am going back next year to celebrate a 40th birthday party of one of our distant cousins.I now reside in the UK. |
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Hi there,
You are very fortunate to have visited this church. My grandfather is Joseph Balle who is the son of Charles Edinger Balle who came to New Zealand with his brother Jacob and are the two men who are responsible for all the Balle's in NZ. My father's cousin Mavis Smallbone (Leena's daughter - Leena is my grandfather's sister) sent me a copy of the Balle's Coat of Arms and I have a potraits of Carl Christian Nicolaj, Nicolaj Edinger and my great grandparents Charles and Alice Balle. If you haven't already got copies I would be happy to send them. |
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Gerry Devine (Ireland):
My name is Gerry Devine from a small fishing village called Rush 17 miles north of Dublin City.I named my house "Roskilda" after I heard a local story.The story goes that when the vikings left Ireland for the last time in the 11th century,the last boat sailed out from Rush and the boat was called Roskilda.In the Irish language Rush is called "Ros" which may have got its name from this boat or visa versa as Rush at the time was an important port fot the Vikings.I am not sure how true the story is but is part of the folklore in my home village |
| Date posted: July 2005 |
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I am from new zealand, and visited Roskilda Cathedral in September of this year to look for a portrait of my great great cousin Dr Nikolaj Edinger Balle who was Bishop for Roskilda from 1805 to 1816. Sadly we arrived there a bit late as the cathedral was closing early that day, but we were shown the portrait by a very helpful staff member, and were able to have a quick look around that beautiful place, we would of dearly loved to have gone back and spent more time but we were pressed for time. Maybe sometime we will come back again as i would like to find out more about my great grandfather who was also a pastor his name is Carl Christian Nicolaj Balle, and i Am also trying to find some details of the Balle coat of arms, maybe if you have some ideas as to where i maybe able to write too i would be most greatful to here from you.
For the brief time that we were at the Cathedral we very truely left speachless. |
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Gatis (Latvia):
If frankly - I was not especially impressed by this monument. I appreciate the tremendous historical importance of this church for Denmark - but visually, especially from outside - not a world-class monument. |
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delor lauchang (us of a):
it is a travel back in time. the magnificence of its architecture, and everything around and inside the place is a work of art and inspiration.
the column that inscribes the height of each prince and princess as they visit each time, immortalizes the history of the monarchy.
the tomb also will give you in detail the love and care, that they have for each other. it is truly a place to see. |
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