Odense - St Knud Church Skt. Knuds Kirke
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To the south of the Odense Town Hall stands St Knud's Church (Skt. Knuds Kirke), the cathedral of Odense. It is named after the Danish saint, Knud IV, who had himself begun the building which was dedicated to his name about 1100. This church was burned down in the 12th C. After a further great fire Bishop Giscio made a start on a three-aisled replacement in the 13th C., but this in fact took almost 200 years to complete.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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A feature of the interior of this Gothic edifice is the crypt below the choir, with the tombs of King Knud and his brother Benedict as well as sundry other kings and their consorts. Behind the High Altar stands a huge reredos with magnificent carvings, the work of Claus Berg between 1515 and 1534 on instructions from Queen Christina. In the center of the main panel Christ is portrayed on the Cross, while scenes from Our Lord's Passion appear on the side-panels. Paintings of the royal family adorn the predella. Note also the epitaphs, bronze font of 1620 and pulpit of 1750. The carillon in the tower is played several times a day.
To the east of the Cathedral a park named after H. C. Andersen (H. C. Andersen Haven) stretches along the waterfront; in it stands a statue of the writer.
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