Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Founded by Spanish Blackfriars in 1228, St Catharine's Church was originally built on re-
claimed marshland, but it eventually collapsed. The present structure dates from the 15th
century. Of the 13 churches built during the pre-Reformation period in Ribe, Sankt Cathar-
inæ Kirke and Ribe Domkirke are the only survivors.
In 1536 the Reformation forced the friars to abandon Sankt Catharinæ Kirke and, in the
years that followed, the compound served as an asylum for the mentally ill and a wartime
field hospital, to name a couple of its incarnations. These days the abbey provides housing
for the elderly.
In the 1920s Sankt Catharinæ Kirke was restored at tremendous cost (due to its still-
faulty foundations) and was reconsecrated in 1934. The interior boasts a delicately carved
pulpit dating to 1591 and an ornate altarpiece created in 1650.
For a Dkr5 fee you can enter the tranquil cloister garden and enjoy a few minutes of
contemplative silence.
Den Gamle Rådhus
HISTORIC BUILDING
1-3pm daily Jun-Aug)
This is the oldest town hall (1496) in Denmark and was used as a courthouse until 2006 -
these days it's a popular spot for civil weddings. As well as ceremonial artefacts, there's an
exhibit on local law and order (including a collection of medieval weapons and the execu-
tioner's axe).
Ribe Kunstmuseum
MUSEUM
10am-5pm Thu-Tue, to 8pm Wed Jul & Aug, 11am-4pm Tue-Sun Sep-Jun)
An undeniable benefit of being the oldest town in the land is the opportunity to amass an
impressive art collection. Ribe's beautifully restored art museum has been able to acquire
some of Denmark's best works, including those by 19th-century 'Golden Age' painters.
The gallery's riverside garden presents a glorious backdrop to collection pieces by big-
name Danish artists. It's worth exploring the delightfully verdant area behind the art gal-
lery (open to all), where paths pass over the river and lead either to Sankt Catharinæ Kirke
or Nederdammen.
