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The Church of Our Lady (Danish: Vor Frue Kirke) is a stunning neoclassical cathedral located at Nørregade 8, 1165 København, Denmark. As the seat of the Lutheran diocese since 1922, this historic church is dedicated to St. Mary and has a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Visitors are often captivated by its striking interior, which features extraordinary sculptures by the renowned artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, making it a must-see landmark in Copenhagen.

The Church of Our Lady has a storied past, with a church on this site dating back to the 12th century. It has undergone several reconstructions, with the current structure completed in 1829 under the guidance of architect Christian Frederik Hansen. The church is notable for its simple yet spacious design, surrounded by statues of the apostles, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The church's neoclassical architecture is characterized by its grand portico, columns, and pediment, which provide a striking entrance. Inside, the highlight is Thorvaldsen's famous statue of Christ, known for its lifelike representation and the inscription "Kommer til mig" ("Come unto me"). The interior also features beautifully crafted sculptures of the twelve apostles, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the space.

A visit to the Church of Our Lady is not just about appreciating its architecture; it also offers a chance to experience its serene atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy the beautiful organ music that fills the space, especially during services or special events. The church is conveniently located in the heart of Copenhagen, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city.

The Church of Our Lady is situated in the vibrant city center of København K, close to other notable attractions such as the Round Tower and the National Museum of Denmark. After visiting the church, guests can explore the charming streets filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites, making for a delightful day in Copenhagen.

CF Hansen's grand neoclassical cathedral, home to Thorvaldsen's statues of Christ & the apostles.

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The austere outside of this church belies the beauty of the interior which contains extraordinary sculptures by Thorvaldsen. They are extraordinary. We were lucky enough to hear the organ being played. It is a contemporary design which surprisingly suited the simplicity of the architecture.

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Beautiful church - simple design yet very spacious and very warm lit. All around the benches you are surrounded by statues of the apostles. Definitely a must see when you are in the city.

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Historic and beautiful place.
The Church of Our Lady (Danish: Vor Frue kirke) is the seat of the Lutheran diocese of the same name since it was created in 1922.
Dedicated to St. Mary, Foundation 1829,
Construction 1829,
Architect Christian Frederik Hansen,
Cathedral Style Neoclassical, Materials brick.

Engraving showing the appearance of Our Lady of Copenhagen in 1520.

There was a church on the same site since the 12th century, which was succeeded by new buildings on three occasions. The first time a church is mentioned on the site where the cathedral now stands is in a document issued by Archbishop Absalon in 1185, where he reports the need to collect tithes for the construction of St. Mary's Church. Around 1200 the church was ready for consecration, which took place in March on the day of the Annunciation. It was a Romanesque limestone church, which stood on the highest point in the city. It had collegiate status within the Diocese of Roskilde, and was governed by a dean, as well as canons and vicars, and had a school attached to it, which after the Reformation became part of the Latin schools in Denmark where Latin was taught.

The time of the Protestant Reformation was very hard for "St. Mary's Church" (the original name of this temple). Most of the citizens of Copenhagen had chosen to follow Martin Luther, but the Catholic authorities tried to maintain the cathedral as a center of Catholic resistance to the changes in Copenhagen. By royal decree, both Catholic priests and Lutheran preachers were ordered to use the church jointly, which outraged the majority of Copenhagen's population. On 27 December 1530 hundreds of citizens stormed the church, destroyed all the statues and smashed the choir stalls to pieces. Seventeen richly carved altars were stripped of anything of value. Even the name "St. Mary of Copenhagen" was changed to "Vor Frue Kirke", the "Church of Our Lady" in the desire to retain only the historical reference to the Virgin Mary without the use of the word "Saint". Barely a year later the Church of Our Lady celebrated the acceptance of the Lutheran Order presided over by Johannes Bugenhagen, an associate of Martin Luther.

During the Copenhagen fire of 1728 the damage to the church was such that it had to be replaced by a new one. The new works were carried out quickly and in 1738 everything was ready for the consecration of the new building. This church would be the shortest-lived, as a fire caused by the British bombardment during the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807 caused the tower to fall and the entire church to ruin.

For the fourth time, a new church was built on the site, this time in neoclassical style, under the direction of architect Christian Frederik Hansen. Due to lack of resources, part of the walls of the previous church were incorporated. A new one was built on top of what was the old medieval tower, a controversial issue, since neoclassical style did not include towers. At the main entrance, located at the foot of the tower, a neoclassical portico was built, with columns, a pediment and reliefs. The work was completed in 1829.
The sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen was commissioned to decorate the interior, with images of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles.  The statue of Christ, commonly known as Thorvaldsen's Christ, was created for the cathedral and presides over the temple. This sculpture has become a reference for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Other artists contributed sculptures and paintings to the interior decoration of the cathedral. The modern baptismal font was personally designed by Thorvaldsen, who donated it to the church.

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Bucket List item checked, to see Bertel
Thorvaldsen living Christ. The inscription at
the base of the sculpture reads "Kommer til mig" ("Come unto me") Matthew 11:28, in
which Jesus is depicted with His hands spread displaying the wounds in the hands of his resurrected body. Impressiv to also see 11 Apostels plus Paul;-)

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This cathedral is very utilitarian in it's feel.  Juts like many of the iconic buildings in Copenhagen.  It is less ornate than mnay of the European cathedral.  Very white... But the rectangular nature is attractive.

While we we there, the music director was having a practice.  The pipe organ music was very beautiful.

Explore the Historic Church of Our Lady in København K

The Church of Our Lady, a grand neoclassical cathedral in Copenhagen, is home to Thorvaldsen's stunning statues of Christ and the apostles, offering a serene atmosphere amidst the bustling city.

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The Church of Our Lady, a grand neoclassical cathedral in the heart of København, is renowned for its stunning architecture and the iconic statues of Christ and the apostles by Thorvaldsen. It serves as a serene space for reflection amidst the bustling city.

Discover the stunning Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, where breathtaking architecture meets rich history. Explore its beauty—visit today!

Explore the Historic Church of Our Lady in København K

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Visiting the Church of Our Lady

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