Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cathedral of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirche)
The obelisk-like
Reformation Memorial
across the street from the cathedral
celebrates Denmark's break from the Roman Catholic Church to become
Lutheranin1536.WalkaroundandstudythereliefsofgreatDanishreformers
protesting from their pulpits. The relief facing the church shows King Chris-
tian III presiding over the pivotal town council meeting when they decided
to break away from Rome. As a young man, Prince Christian had traveled to
Germany, where he was influenced by Martin Luther. He returned to take the
Danish throne by force, despite Catholic opposition. Realizing the advantages
of being the head of his own state church, Christian confiscated church prop-
erty and established the state Lutheran Church. King Christian was crowned
inside this cathedral. Because of the reforms of 1536, there's no Mary in the
Cathedral of Our Lady.
