Vor Frue Kirke, the Church of Our Lady, is Copenhagen's cathedral and the mother church of the Church of Denmark. It stands in the centre of the city, and it makes a calm and rewarding stop for anyone interested in architecture, art or religious life.
The building
The church is a neoclassical building, rebuilt in the early 19th century. Its clean lines and measured proportions reflect the style of that period, and the interior has a restrained dignity that suits a place of worship. Visitors who enjoy looking closely at buildings will find plenty to notice in the architecture alone.
The sculptures
The church is best known for the work of Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose sculptures of Christ and the Twelve Apostles are among the most famous works held here. Seeing them in the setting they were made for gives a sense of how the sculptor and the building were meant to work together. Even visitors with little knowledge of sculpture tend to find the figures striking.
Planning a visit
Vor Frue Kirke is a cultural and religious landmark, so it suits a visit of an hour or so, at whatever pace you prefer. Please keep in mind that it is an active church, so behaviour should be quiet and respectful during services. Because it sits in the heart of Copenhagen, it pairs easily with a walk through the surrounding streets and with other sights nearby.
- Best for: lovers of neoclassical architecture and sculpture
- Setting: central Copenhagen, Denmark
- Also: a working church, so respect any services in progress