CATHEDRAL (DOMKIRKE)

This cathedral is the best-known and most prestigious in the kingdom. And with good reason! Since the ^15th century, this Gothic masterpiece has protected the royal necropolis: 21 Danish kings and 19 queens are buried in the nave, choir and adjacent burial chapels; their sumptuous tombs and the art and frescoes that decorate them tell the story of a thousand years of Danish monarchical history.

Built as early as the ^12th century, Roskilde was the first cathedral in the Baltic Gothic style, also known as "brick Gothic" in Denmark. This style spread to Germany and the countries around the Baltic Sea, culturally linked to the Hanseatic League, during the ^13th century. The buildings are built exclusively in brick, with few stone inclusions. Stone is sometimes used for delicate parts (columns, vault arches, mullions, lacy window fillings and gables). Carvings, generally widespread in Northern Gothic, are also rare. The sobriety of the red ensemble contrasts with the white used to whitewash the interior. Similar architectural styles can be found in Poland and the Midi-toulousain region.

For the unusual, don't miss the clock depicting Saint Michael slaying the dragon. Not only can you see it, but you can also hear it! The sound, which comes from three pipes connected to a bellows driven by the clock mechanism, perfectly imitates a dragon's cry of agony...