Description of the attraction
Odense Palace stands in the very center of the city. Previously, this site housed an ancient monastery belonging to the Order of Malta, the second largest in all of Denmark. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century, but only the ruins of a hospital remained from the medieval building, located on the territory of the courtyard of the monastery church of St. Hans (John).
After the Reformation in 1536, the monastery was disbanded, and from that moment there were administrative premises. There were also separate halls for ceremonies and living rooms, in which crowned persons, including the kings of Denmark, often stayed. For convenience, the monastery complex was heavily rebuilt in 1575.
In the middle of the 17th century, Odense was occupied by Swedish troops, which severely destroyed the building of the former monastery. However, its full restoration did not take place until the beginning of the 18th century, when King Frederick IV, who was staying with his court in Odense, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the castle. Therefore, in 1721-1723, the palace was completely rebuilt - a new baroque building was erected, painted white. A cozy park was laid out around it, which was especially loved by the king, who died in this palace in 1730.
Hans Christian Andersen, the famous storyteller, spent his childhood in the palace in Odense. His mother worked in the palace as a servant, and young Hans often played with the little prince Fritz - the future King of Denmark Frederick VII.
Since 1860, numerous unused halls of the palace have been opened to the public - an art gallery was built here, which later grew into one of the largest museums of fine art - the Funen Museum. Now the palace is used for administrative purposes; the municipal authorities of the city of Odense sit here.
On the other hand, an old park is open for tourist visits. It was redesigned in the 19th century in accordance with the English "landscape" style. Century-old beeches grow here, and magnolias bloom in summer. Also in the park there is a monument to Hans Christian Andersen and a preserved building of the former railway station.
