Ribe Cathedral
Syddanmark
Ribe Cathedral, located in the heart of Ribe town in Southern Denmark, is the oldest cathedral in Denmark and a prime example of Romanesque architecture. Construction began around 1150 on the site of an earlier church believed to have been founded by Ansgar in 860. The cathedral measures 63 meters in length and 36 meters in width, making it Denmark's only five-aisled church. It features three towers: the Rytterspire over the choir, the smaller Mariatårnet, and the prominent Borgertårnet, originally built in 1333. Borgertårnet, now 50 meters tall with 248 steps leading to an observation platform, was historically used as a watchtower and storm bell tower. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and contains remarkable medieval bronze doors, including the southern Kathoveddøren adorned with lion heads and detailed reliefs depicting the crucifixion and the Last Judgment. Over centuries, the cathedral has undergone several restorations, preserving its rich history and architectural integrity. It remains a vibrant center of Lutheran worship and a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors to explore its art, history, and panoramic views over the town and surrounding marshlands.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Ribe Cathedral is during spring and summer when the weather is pleasant and the tower is open for climbing. Booking guided tours or tickets for special events in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors can benefit from discounts available for groups, seniors, and students. The cathedral offers live streaming of services and hosts concerts and events, which can be checked on the official website. Contacting the cathedral's visitor services ahead of your visit can enhance your experience with guided tours and detailed historical insights.
Faits intéressants
- •Ribe Cathedral is Denmark's only five-aisled church and the best-preserved Romanesque cathedral in the country.
- •The Borgertårnet tower has 248 steps leading to an observation platform with views stretching for kilometers on clear days.
- •The cathedral's southern bronze door, Kathoveddøren, dates back to the late 1100s and features lion head decorations and reliefs depicting biblical scenes including the crucifixion and the Last Judgment.
- •The cathedral has visible flood marks from the Burchardi flood of 1634, one of the most devastating storm floods in the region.
- •The cathedral was built on the site of an earlier church possibly founded by Ansgar around 860, making it a site of early Christianization in Scandinavia.
Histoire
The Diocese of Ribe was established in 948, marking the beginning of organized Christian presence in the area.
The first stone church on the site was constructed between 1110 and 1134 under Bishop Thure, likely replacing the original wooden church founded by Ansgar around 860.
The current cathedral's construction started circa 1150 and has since been a significant religious site.
The Borgertårnet tower was built in 1333 but partially collapsed in 1534; it was repaired in 1595 but without its original spire.
The cathedral has witnessed numerous restorations and survived natural disasters like the devastating Burchardi flood of 1634, whose marks remain visible on its walls.
The Catholic diocese was dissolved in 1536 during the Reformation and succeeded by the Protestant Diocese of Ribe, which continues to use the cathedral today.
Guide du lieu
Borgertårnet Tower1333
The largest and most famous tower of Ribe Cathedral, originally built in 1333 as a watch and storm bell tower. It stands 50 meters tall today after partial collapse and repair, with 248 steps leading to an observation deck offering panoramic views of Ribe and the surrounding landscape.
Kathoveddøren (Southern Bronze Door)Late 1100s
One of three bronze doors created by artist Anne Marie Carl Nielsen in 1904, this door dates back to the late 12th century. It features distinctive lion head decorations on its columns and a relief above depicting the crucifixion and the Last Judgment with detailed biblical inscriptions.
Romanesque Architecture1150-1225
Ribe Cathedral is the best-preserved Romanesque cathedral in Denmark, notable for its five-aisled design and substantial dimensions. Its architecture reflects the medieval ecclesiastical style and has been preserved through various additions and restorations over centuries.
Contact
Téléphone: 75 42 06 19
