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Roskilde, Denmark

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Roskilde, DenmarkRoskilde, Denmark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roskilde_jernbaneg_mpazdziora.JPG
Author: Mariusz Pazdziora
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Roskilde is a city located to the west of Copenhagen, on the island of Zealand, Denmark. Founded by the Vikings in the 10th century, it was the first capital of Denmark. The modern city has a population of around 48,000 (2011 estimate). Due to its proximity to Copenhagen, it is a popular tourist destination.

Gamle Rådhus (Old Town House) of RoskildeGamle Rådhus (Old Town House) of Roskilde
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roskilde_ratusz_mpazdziora.jpg
Author: Mariusz Pazdziora
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When King Harald I built the first church of Zealand in Roskilde, he established the town as an important religious center. The church grew to become Roskilde Cathedral.

By the Middle Ages, Roskilde was one of the biggest and most important towns in northern Europe. However its decline began when Erik of Pomerania relocated the capital to Copenhagen in 1417. Even then, it continue to be the residence of the archbishop, and the kings and queens of Denmark were buried there.

Roskilde CathedralRoskilde Cathedral
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roskilde_katedra_mpazdziora.JPG
Author: Mariusz Pazdziora
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Today's visitors can walk Roskilde's old town and explore the many historical landmarks. The city has however arrived squarely in the modern age. It is the venue of an annual rock music festival, called the Roskilde Festival, which is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

Visiting Roskilde

The easiest way to reach Roskilde is to take the train. Practically all trains heading west out of Copenhagen will pass through Roskilde. There are also regional buses connecting Roskilde with Copenhagen and all the major towns in Denmark.

Viking Ship Museum, RoskildeViking Ship Museum, Roskilde
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Viking_ship_museum_Roskilde_Denmark_201172962.jpg
Author: Antony
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Sights & Attractions in Roskilde


  1. Bishop's Palace
    The official residence of Roskilde's bishops was designed by Danish architect Laurits de Thurah in 1733 in the Baroque style.

  2. Gråbrødre Kirkegård
    This park was once a cemetery during the Middle Ages where prominent citizens were buried.

  3. Roskilde Domkirke
    The Roskilde Cathedral was the only cathedral in Zealand right up to the 20th century. The magnificent building was started by Bishop Absalon in the 12th century. Today is it a World Heritage Site.

  4. Roskilde Kloster
    This brick monastery is one of the survivors of the Reformation that closed the Roman Catholic church in Roskilde in 1536. In the 17th century it served as a refuge for unwed mothers from wealthy families.

  5. Roskilde Museum
    Local museum documenting and preserving the city's history from the Stone Age until present time.

  6. Stændertorvet
    The square that marks the heart of Roskilde. There was a market here and fairs were also held in the square during the Middle Ages.

  7. Vikingeskibsmuseet
    The Viking Ship Museum exhibits ancient Viking boats that were laden with stones and deliberately sunk to block enemy ships. Despite being underwater for centuries, the ships are remarkably well preserved.

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