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Roskilde Cathedral

By Julia Bocchese

What is Roskilde Cathedral?

Roskilde Cathedral was built in the 12th century, and it was the first Gothic cathedral to be made of bricks in Scandinavia. This architectural style inspired cathedrals throughout Northern Europe.

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Text: Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark. Image: the cathedral, seen from the side: red brick, 2 spires.
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Why is Roskilde Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The style of Roskilde Cathedral was inspirational to churches and cathedrals throughout Northern Europe, and it is the location of the mausoleum of the Danish royal family. According to UNESCO, “Built about 1170, the original Cathedral structure was in Romanesque form but, when half-built, the plan was changed under the influence of the incoming Gothic style from France. In the following centuries, chapels, porches, and other structures were added, each in the current architectural style of the time. As a result, the Cathedral has emerged as an epitome of the history of European architecture in a single structure.”

Front view of Roskilde Cathedral. Red brick with two square elements that extend outward on either side of the center entrance and that support the spires above. The entrance is a rather simple romanesque arch. The large window above the entrance has 3 long vertical parts, each with a slightly gothic arch at the top.

What can you expect on a visit to Roskilde?

Inside, the cathedral is very beautiful and grand. There are some ornately carved pieces of decoration and a large golden altar. The mausoleum is also very ornate with beautifully carved marble coffins. It isn’t the most beautiful or lavish cathedral I’ve seen, but considering the age and size of the cathedral, it is a pretty impressive sight.

A tomb stands on a pedestal in a niche, all of it painted white as well as the wall behind it. On top of the tomb is a pillar with what looks like an urn on the top and a relief of the person's face halfway up the side. Below the tomb, a figure leans on each side of the pedestal: both are women in white marble. The left hand one leans her elbow on the pedestal and her face on her hand. On the right the woman has her hands clasped on the pedestal and looks up at the tomb.

Is Roskilde Cathedral worth visiting?

For people interested in cathedrals and Gothic architecture, Roskilde Cathedral is worth visiting. There is an admission fee and it doesn’t take very long to tour, so it might not be worth visiting for everyone. Both the interior and exterior are impressive to see, and the mausoleum has very ornate tombs.

Book your accommodations in Roskilde here.

A side view of Roskilde Cathedral: 2 spires at the left, wide at the bottom but narrowing quite quickly to be very narrow for most of their length. The building is red brick with step gables on the side. A small dome is visible on the right.

Tips for visiting

I recommend taking a half day or whole day trip to tour Roskilde and the Viking Ship Museum in addition to the Roskilde Cathedral.

Or book a walking tour.

Where is it?

The address of Roskilde Cathedral is Domkirkepladsen 3, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, and there is a parking lot nearby. You can drive or take a train from Copenhagen in about 30 minutes and walk to the cathedral from the station.

For more information about Roskilde Cathedral, their opening hours and admission fees, see the official website.

Have you been to Roskilde Cathedral? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about it? Please add your comments below!

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