Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady), Aarhus
The Church of Our Lady, located in the heart of Aarhus, is a historic structure with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally completed in 1060 AD as a stone crypt church after the destruction of a prior wooden structure, it represents the earliest extant stone church in Scandinavia. This crypt, discovered during renovations in the 1950s, now serves as a unique feature beneath the main building, hosting weekly masses since its restoration and reopening in 1957.
Initially named Saint Nicholas' Church, the site underwent significant transformations, particularly with the establishment of a Dominican priory, Vor Frue Kloster, in 1240, of which the church was a part. This expansion included the addition of a large tower between 1250 and 1500, enhancing its architectural stature. Following the Reformation in Denmark, King Christian III repurposed the surrounding priory buildings into a hospital for the sick and poor and renamed the church to the Church of Our Lady. This marked the church as a central hub for clerical activities in the region.
Further renovations took place in 2000, continuing to preserve and highlight its historical significance. Notably, the crypt-church excavation in the 1950s revealed two graves and 23 coins from the 14th century, providing insights into the church's medieval past. This crypt was originally constructed as a strategic ecclesiastical endeavor by Christian, the first bishop of Aarhus, to counteract the influence of Archbishop Adalbert of Hamburg-Bremen.
Today, the Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to the rich religious and architectural history of Aarhus, bridging past and present with its ancient foundations and continuous role in the community's spiritual life.
Initially named Saint Nicholas' Church, the site underwent significant transformations, particularly with the establishment of a Dominican priory, Vor Frue Kloster, in 1240, of which the church was a part. This expansion included the addition of a large tower between 1250 and 1500, enhancing its architectural stature. Following the Reformation in Denmark, King Christian III repurposed the surrounding priory buildings into a hospital for the sick and poor and renamed the church to the Church of Our Lady. This marked the church as a central hub for clerical activities in the region.
Further renovations took place in 2000, continuing to preserve and highlight its historical significance. Notably, the crypt-church excavation in the 1950s revealed two graves and 23 coins from the 14th century, providing insights into the church's medieval past. This crypt was originally constructed as a strategic ecclesiastical endeavor by Christian, the first bishop of Aarhus, to counteract the influence of Archbishop Adalbert of Hamburg-Bremen.
Today, the Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to the rich religious and architectural history of Aarhus, bridging past and present with its ancient foundations and continuous role in the community's spiritual life.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Aarhus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) on Map
Sight Name: Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady)
Sight Location: Aarhus, Denmark (See walking tours in Aarhus)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Aarhus, Denmark (See walking tours in Aarhus)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Aarhus, Denmark
Create Your Own Walk in Aarhus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Aarhus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Architectures Walking Tour
Among other attractions, Aarhus, Denmark, boasts a variety of eye-catching historical buildings, a good number of which were designed by the famous Danish architect, Hack Kampmann.
Among such landmarks is the Aarhus Custom House (Toldboden), standing as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. The Aarhus Theater, with its elegant facade, showcases the city's commitment to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Among such landmarks is the Aarhus Custom House (Toldboden), standing as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. The Aarhus Theater, with its elegant facade, showcases the city's commitment to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Aarhus Introduction Walking Tour
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country with roots that date to the 8th century when Vikings built a small settlement at the mouse of AArhus River encircled by an earthen rampart and a moat. Back then, Aarhus was called "Aros" which was the old Danish word for "river mouth".
During the Middle Ages, Aarhus was a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
During the Middle Ages, Aarhus was a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles