Roskilde Cathedral and the Royal Tombs
Part 1. Sarcophagi, Effigies and Gravestones
This article is under the subject “culture”. Learning about history allows us to understand how moral standards evolved and how traditions were put into practice.
“We only live once”. This is what every wise man would say. But we can only do much in our lifetime. To be able to do the things we enjoy and holding on to the values we believe are important is already a fulfillment.
My fascination with art and history has led me to the discovery of the beautifully designed coffins and tombs inside a Christian church in Roskilde. One of the things that I find very interesting aside from the beautiful architecture using bricks and marble are a few stories behind every leadership of the kings and queens. I have gathered some of the most important information about both the cathedral and the life of kings and queens.
Click to download Roskilde Cathedral’s leaflets (available in english and danish)
Forty kings and queens are thought to rest here – 37 graves are known with certainty. Altogether, there are more than 1000 graves in the church.”
Guide to Roskilde Cathedral
Margrete 1. founded the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden
- 1376-1412 Denmark
- 1380-1412 Norway
- 1389-1412 Sweden
Kalmar Union
A Royal Union between the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden from 1397 – 1523. Erik of Pomerania was crowned king of three kingdoms
DH
Quote. “Roskilde Cathedral is Denmark’s royal burial church, architecture of international class and an active parish church. The Cathedral has been selected by UNESCO as a site of outstanding universal value. Here are soaring vaults and a majestic atmosphere. According to the chronicle from the 1000s, King Harold Bluetooth built a wooden church in Roskilde. In 1022, Roskilde received its first bishop. About 1080, a new church was built in travertine where the present brick church now stands.” Quote. – Guide to Roskilde Cathedral
The portrait of Margrete 1.
It unfortunately lacks some description details. Therefore, it “may not” be the same face features as she was in real life.
-Photo (portrait) from the archives of The Royal Danish Library
Margrete 1. was the youngest daughter of Valdemar and Helvig, who exercised governmental power in Denmark, Norway and Sweden from 1376 – 1412. Her brother Christopher was supposed to reign, but died early at the age of 22. Since his death, the subsequent should take over.
Source: Danmarks historien
