The Roskilde Cathedral is one of the most important churches in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built during the Middle Ages.  Construction started in 1170 on this first Gothic cathedral of brick in Europe.  The city of Roskilde was established by King Harald "Bluetooth" after uniting the Danes and Norwegians about 960.  He had previously held court in Jelling where he buried his parents in the Jelling Church.  Roskilde was more central to the country as a whole where he established a royal farm.  The small stave church that he had built was his burial place after his death in 985/986.  Roskilde town resides on an protected fjord which probably also allowed for it be used in preparations for Viking naval warfare.

"Roskilde is first mentioned (Roscylde). The first name is similar to the way the city was pronounced in the
 local dialect: Rå-skylie." [Roskilde History web site - year 1022]

The first bishop of Roskilde was brought to Denmark from England by King Canute.  When the
Archbishop Unwan of Hamburg found out, he became angry and captured the bishop who was forced to do penance 
and swear an allegiance to the German archbishop. [Adam of Bremen - Roskilde web site.] 

The present church started construction about 1060 and completed in 1080. There was a need to identify its importance and a delegation was sent to Rome for a suitable relict.  It was decided to dedicate the cathedral to St. Lucius, pope from 253 to 255.  A skull of St. Lucius was transported to Roskilde for its crept. At least thirty-eight kings and queens of Europe are buried here.  This is more than any other church in Europe and range in dates form 985 to  2000. [wikipedia]

A fire swept through the town of Roskilde in 1443 destroying most of the city as well as inflecting major damage on the cathedral.  Much rebuilding was done by 1460.  However, the Reformation of 1536 saw the Bishop of Roskilde imprisoned.  The catholic churches of Denmark then became the property of the king.  Religious services were changed to a more public service and pews were installed in the cathedral.  The head of the church was moved to Copenhagen. [wikipedia]

Roskilde Altar, Roskilde Cathedral
a gift of Christian IV in 1555.
photo Elroy Christenson 2016



Roskilde Coffins in Christian IV's chapel (1648), Roskilde Cathedral
photo Elroy Christenson 2016

The cathedral(spire in profile trees below) is in close proximity to the bay which was used by Viking boats for trade and raiding.  The present Viking Boat Museum only a couple of blocks away is teaching Viking boat building and sailing techniques.  The museum has three ships from the Viking age on display which were excavated from the nearby fjord.  Visitors can take rides on a Viking ship with reservations.

 
Viking Ship Museum of Roskilde
photo Elroy Christenson 2016