Roskilde Monastery – A cultural and historical gem in the heart of the city
When you visit Roskilde Monastery, you step into a time capsule in the heart of the city. Here, you can experience a historic complex with a garden, church, and the Knight’s Hall. On a guided tour, you will hear stories about monastic life, noblewomen, and the site’s role through the centuries.
Step into a time capsule in the heart of the city
Right in the vibrant centre of Roskilde, you will find Roskilde Monastery, a cultural and historical treasure with a large green garden and a remarkable past. Only a few minutes’ walk from Roskilde Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site – or the railway station, you step into a protected building complex where tranquillity and reflection meet stories stretching back hundreds of years.
Within the monastery walls, you encounter a site that has served as a friary, a manor house, and Denmark’s first convent for noblewomen. Today, it functions as a self-owning foundation with private residences. The combination of buildings, courtyard, and garden creates a unique time capsule where history comes alive.
A unique historic site
When you visit Roskilde Monastery, you enter the place where Dominican friars – known in Danish as the “Blackfriars” – built their monastery in the 13th century. Later, it became Denmark’s first convent for noblewomen and played an important role in the city’s development over time.
The buildings still retain many original details – from brickwork and gables to windows, roofs, and chimneys – bearing witness to their architectural and historical value. The main building is also the oldest inhabited house in Roskilde. From here, you can sense the connection to the Cathedral through the old streets, reflecting the monastery’s former power and role in the city.
Guided tours at Roskilde Monastery
If you wish to experience the history of the monastery up close, you can join a guided tour. Guides tell vivid stories about monastic life, the noble ladies, and the present-day foundation. Highlights include the Knight’s Hall with unique ceiling paintings, the Monastery Church with its newly restored altar and organ, and the beautifully furnished living rooms.
In summer, the tours often begin with a walk through the park-like garden before continuing inside the historic rooms. The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
As Roskilde Monastery is a private residential area, access is only possible in connection with guided tours or special events.
Venue hire
If you are looking for a special setting for a festive occasion, you can rent the Monastery Church for weddings or the Knight’s Hall for private parties and company events. The historic surroundings create a truly special atmosphere for both large and small gatherings.
Parking
Convenient parking can be found nearby, including a large multi-storey car park just five minutes’ walk from the monastery.