Roskilde Abbey

Roskilde, Denmark

Roskilde Abbey or Our Lady's Abbey was a monastery of nuns dedicated to Saint Mary the Virgin. It was founded in the early 12th century for Benedictine nuns, but in 1177 became part of the Cistercian reform movement.

It was chiefly known for the tomb of Saint Margrethe or Margaret of Ølsemagle or of Højelse (both names of places near Køge), who, although murdered by her husband, had been wrongly buried as a suicide on the beach at Køge. After miracles were declared to have happened round her grave, her remains were moved to the Abbey Church, the Vor Frue church, in 1176 by Absalon of Lund, Bishop of Roskilde, a kinsman of Margrethe; he arranged for the construction of a suitable shrine in the church, and transferred the nunnery to the Cistercians in the following year. Despite Absalon's best efforts, and also despite the local veneration, Margrethe was never formally canonised. The shrine was nevertheless later declared a place of pilgrimage by the Pope, and the nuns were allotted one third of the income generated by it. Despite all efforts, however, the center of the cultus remained the small chapel built near Margrethe's original grave on the beach.

The abbey was suppressed in 1536 during the Protestant Reformation in Denmark. Around 1600 the convent buildings and the eastern half of the church were demolished. Today the former abbey church has a beautiful furniture from the 17th century.

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Address

Fruegade 2, Roskilde, Denmark
See all sites in Roskilde

Details

Founded: 1176
Category: Religious sites in Denmark
Historical period: The First Kingdom (Denmark)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Matěj Lošťák (2 years ago)
The original Catholic, Dominican priory of St. Catherine from the 13th century. Abolished in the 17th century. reformation of the country and the church. Rebuilt into a noble castle and in 1699 converted into a Lutheran collegiate foundation.
Kristian Rohde Jensen (2 years ago)
An exciting tour with an inspiring guide.
Linda Raavig Jensen (3 years ago)
Have today had the most amazing experience with a tour of Roskilde Monastery, shown and told by a super dedicated guide (thanks to Søren) It is REALLY worth a visit and I would definitely recommend it to others.
Leif Bonde (3 years ago)
Fantastically exciting tour, told by Søren, who just knows the good and exciting stories.
Eva Hejlsø (4 years ago)
Beautiful setting with many details and stories.
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