Description of the attraction
Roskilde is located in eastern Denmark on the island of Zealand. As the first Gothic cathedral to be built of brick, Roskilde Cathedral had a significant impact on the spread of brick Gothic in Europe. The cathedral was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and combined architectural elements of both the Gothic and Romanesque styles. Until the 20th century, it was the only cathedral on the island of Zealand.
Beginning in the 15th century, Roskilde Cathedral became the main burial place of Danish monarchs. 38 kings and queens are buried here. The temple includes several chapels, the names of which were given by the names of the crowned monarchs buried in them: Christian I, Christian VI, Frederick V, Christian IX. King Frederick IX wanted to be buried outside the walls of the cathedral, so his chapel is located next to the cathedral.
In 1554, a new organ, designed by Hermann Raphaeli, was donated to the cathedral. It was enlarged in 1600 and 1833 and renovated in 1998 and 2000. Since 1987, the cathedral has been home to one of the main Danish boys 'choirs, the Roskilde Cathedral Boys' Choir. Each of the choristers attends a regular school, but they meet 2-3 times a week for rehearsals. The Boys' Choir of Roskilde Cathedral often travels and gives concerts in different countries, for example, in New Zealand, Great Britain, Spain, France, Canada.
The cathedral is very popular with tourists, annually receiving 125,000 visitors. Since 1995, Roskilde Cathedral has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple still performs its main function - it is a functioning church, but concerts are often held there.
