Church of Our Lady Religious Site

Address: Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke), Copenhagen area, Capital Region of Denmark

The Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) is the cathedral of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the seat of the Bishop of Copenhagen. The current neoclassical building was designed by Christian Frederik Hansen and completed in 1829.

Inside there is a restrained neoclassical interior with a colonnaded façade and clear axial nave. The focal point is the chancel group of marble figures by Bertel Thorvaldsen, including a Christus and the apostles, which draw many visitors and photographers.

The church site dates back to the medieval period and the building has been rebuilt several times. The medieval structure was damaged and finally replaced after the British bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807; the present building was constructed 1817 to 1829 under Hansen.

The cathedral stands on Frue Plads in central Copenhagen, adjacent to the University of Copenhagen and a short walk from the city center and many major museums.

• Thorvaldsen sculptures: Contains the marble Christus and figures of the apostles by Bertel Thorvaldsen that dominate the chancel.
• Cathedral status: Serves as the cathedral and seat of the Bishop of Copenhagen; the present building dates from the early 19th century.

What to See#

• Main neoclassical nave: Completed in 1829 to a design by C.F. Hansen, the principal interior space with its clear lines and columns forms the main public area of the cathedral and is where services are held.
• Thorvaldsen sculptures: A marble Christus and twelve apostle figures carved by Bertel Thorvaldsen occupy the chancel and are the church’s principal artistic attraction.

The Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) is in central Copenhagen at Frue Plads beside the University of Copenhagen. Take the metro or S‑train to Nørreport station (or walk from Copenhagen Central Station); Nørreport is about a 5-8 minute walk to the church and the central station is roughly a 10-12 minute walk.

Multiple city buses also stop nearby along central routes if you prefer to avoid walking.

• Approach the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) from Frue Plads to use the main façade entrance and get a direct view of Bertel Thorvaldsen's famous interior sculptures; the church's nave and the Thorvaldsen altar are easiest to appreciate early in the day before tour groups arrive.
• Check the church's noticeboard or website for lunchtime or evening classical music concerts - Vor Frue Kirke regularly hosts performances, which are an excellent way to experience the interior acoustics and art in a quieter setting.