The Cathedral in Roskilde in Denmark is a highlight in the Gothic Brick Architecture.

We visited Roskilde during our stay in Copenhagen. Roskilde can be easily reached by train from Copenhagen and the Cathedral is only a short walk from the railway station in Roskilde. The cathedral is part of the Lutheran Church of Denmark and is located in Roskilde, 30 km west of Copenhagen on the island of Zealand.

The cathedral is unique in some ways. First of all it is made of brick. Most cathedral you will come across in the world are made of stone, the easily recognizable brickwork of Roskilde is copied all over the region and can be seen in many building in the Hanseatic league cities along the baltic.

Roskilde Cathedral is also the place where the Danish royalty are buried since the 15th century. It has been extended and adapted over the ages and you will  find many many burial chapels and graves in the cathedral. Some are serene in stonewash white (Frederick V chapel) others are far more opulent, like the Christian IV chapel.  One of the oldest is of Queen Margrethe of Denmark of 1412, she was laid to rest in a wonderful stone sarcophagus, (just behind the high altar).

The nave of the cathedral is beautiful and looking up give you a view of the wonderful ceiling. At the hour you will be able to see the carillon moving and ringing the bell,  near the front entrance. Do go upstairs and have a look down. Allow at least 2 hours to really appreciate this building and use the great guide books that are for sale at the reception desk. 

Outside the cathedral you will find the newly made burial chapel for Frederick IX. This newly made chapel dates from 1985.

The world heritage site also includes the bishop's house. It is on the back of the cathedral and provides a great view of this Gothic Brick masterpiece. Roskilde Cathedral makes a great afternoon out from Copenhagen and is a World Heritage Site since 1995.