Østerlars Church - Østerlars Round Church

Østerlars Round Church is the largest round church on Bornholm

Østerlars Round Church is the largest round church on Bornholm and the church has about 120,000 visitors a year and is one of the main sights on the island.

Østerlars is the oldest round church

Dedicated to St Laurentius, Østerlars Round Church is regarded as the oldest of the four churches, even though it is not known precisely when the churches were built. The church probably dates back to 1150, and, like its fellows, was used both as a place of worship and for protection against enemies from the sea. The roof was added much later when the church had lost its importance as a defensive structure.

The Knights Templar

Some say, that Østerlars Round Church is central to the theory of there being a link between the French Knights Templar and the location of Bornholm's medieval churches. But this theory hasn't been proved.

Visit the Østerlars Round Church

The Østerlars Round Church is normally open to visitors when there is no divine service and for a token charge you can visit both the church and climb up to the rafters. During the winter months, admission is free between the morning and evening bells. There are public toilets and plenty of parking.