The Danish capital has many unique structures of interest to tourists. One of them is a Lutheran temple, built in honor of the clergyman and philosopher Nikolai Grundtvig and named after him. The grandiose church of Grundtvig is located in one of the sparsely populated areas of the city. Pilgrims from all over the world regularly visit it.
Nikolai Grundtvig - famous Danish theologian
The outstanding educator, philosopher and public figure Nikolai Frederic Severin Grundtvig played a large role in the history of Denmark. He was born in 1783, graduated from the University of Copenhagen, and devoted his life to educational work. With his assistance, People's Universities opened in Denmark. Thanks to these institutions, the poorest people have the opportunity to get an education.
Nikolai Grundtvig was engaged not only in educational work. He wrote books and scientific treatises, created more than one and a half thousand church hymns, as well as religious sermons. Many hymns are still sung in the Lutheran churches of Denmark. Theologian Grundtvig was a member of the Parliament of the country for about 10 years, and in 1861 he was awarded the title of Honorary Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Denmark.
History of the construction of the church
To pay homage to the famous person, the grateful people of Denmark decided to erect a monument and build a Grundtvig church in his honor. In 1913, a contest was held in the country for the best design of the temple. The winner was architect Peder Wilhelm Jensen Clint. His project was different from the religious buildings under construction in those years. There were not enough funds for the construction, but the people of Denmark really liked the project of the temple, and then a collection of money among the population was announced in the country.
For the construction of the temple, the Bispeberg region, unpopular among the population, was selected on the outskirts of Copenhagen. To attract residents, it was decided to build inexpensive comfortable houses for workers near the cathedral. So the city authorities tried to form a new residential area, the center of which was the Grundtvig church. In September 1921, builders laid the first stone in the foundation of the future cathedral. The yellow brick, popular in Denmark, was used to build a church and residential buildings. Residential buildings and the temple building made up a single architectural ensemble.
The Grundtvig Church in Copenhagen was built in 5 years. In 1926 the central part of the temple complex was erected, and in 1927 the first service was held. Despite the fact that the church began to function, internal work was not completed. In 1930, Jensen Clint passed away, and then his son Kaare took up the decoration of the building. Only in 1940, the internal work was completed.
Grundtvig Cathedral - a synthesis of architectural styles
Grundtvig Church is a temple in the style of expressionism, although elements of classical Gothic can be traced in its decoration. In general, it looks like medieval rural buildings in the Scandinavian version.
The height of the majestic western facade along with the bell tower reaches 49 meters, strict laconic forms resemble a church organ. The length of the temple, along with the porch and the choir is 76 meters, and the width is 35 meters. At the same time, 1440 people can be inside.
6 million bricks were spent on the construction of the church, some of which were carefully polished and used to decorate the exterior walls. Sunlight reflects off them and gives the building a special splendor. The high nave is decorated with stepped, upward-facing gables 22 m high.
The interior of the temple
Inside the Grundtvig church is just as beautiful as outside. For decoration, yellow Danish handmade brick was used, which is tightly laid. All the interior is designed in a strict Gothic style. Decoration is only tall columns and lancet arches.
The room is divided into three parts. In the center is the main part - the "body" of the temple. Here is the department, built of the same brick as the whole building. Her design was developed by Jensen Clint's son. In the nave there are chairs made of natural beech for parishioners. The project also provided for places in the side galleries, but they are currently closed for visits.
The design of the altar and two tin candlesticks was developed by Kaare Klint. In his work, he used the sketches of his father. There is also a crucifix made by the daughter of an architect. The font is carved from limestone rock. It consists of 8 bowls trimmed with brass. Each has biblical quotes.
Grundtvig Church (Denmark) is famous for its organs. A small organ was built in 1940, and a large one was installed 25 years later. This is the longest organ on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It has 4 registers and 55 votes, the length of the pipes is 11 meters. The outline of a large organ repeats the facade of the building. Organ concerts are held periodically in the church.