Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster
Catholic (formerly), Lutheran (currently for Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster)·Denmark·Active (as Roskilde Kloster, a collegiate foundation)·13th century
St. Catherine's Priory in Roskilde was a significant Dominican friary established in 1231, playing a key role in Scandinavia's Dominican network until its dissolution during the Reformation. After its demolition, the site was redeveloped, eventually becoming the Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster, a Lutheran collegiate foundation for noblewomen, which later amalgamated with the Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1231 as a Dominican friary in Roskilde, Denmark.
- ›Ranked second only to Lund among Scandinavian Dominican houses in the Middle Ages.
- ›Key patrons included Dowager Duchess Ingeborg.
- ›Dissolved during the Danish Reformation in 1537 and the buildings demolished in 1557.
- ›The site was later redeveloped into the Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster, a Lutheran foundation for noblewomen.
- ›Amalgamated with Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster in 1974, now known as Roskilde Kloster.
Gothic
- Brick Church Consecrated To Saint Catherine In 1254
- Scriptorium, Refectory, Dormitory, and Garden With An Apple Orchard
- Spring and Mill Constructed By 1329
Roskilde Kloster, SortebrøDregåRd
Dowager Duchess Ingeborg, Friar Bo, Prior Petrus Brackæ, Johan Nyborg, Christian Iii, Mogens Godske, Berte Skeel, Karen Brahe
- Establishment of Dominican Priory
- Consecration of Brick Church
- Friar Bo's Excommunication
- Prior Petrus Brackæ's Donation
- Johan Nyborg Becomes Bishop
- Dissolution During Reformation
- Demolition of Priory Buildings
- House Built On Site
- Establishment of Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster
- Amalgamation With Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster
About Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster
St. Catherine's Priory, Roskilde
St. Catherine's Priory was a Dominican friary located in Roskilde, the historical capital of Denmark. Founded in 1231, it quickly became a significant center for the Dominican Order in Scandinavia, second in importance only to Lund. The friars were actively engaged in preaching and teaching, and their work was supported by donations and patronage, notably from Dowager Duchess Ingeborg. The priory complex included a brick church consecrated in 1254, as well as a dormitory, scriptorium, refectory, and gardens with an orchard. The friars also managed a spring and a mill, and owned a farm outside the city.
Dissolution and Transformation
The priory met its end with the Danish Reformation. Following Denmark's official adoption of Lutheranism in 1536, the priory was ordered closed by King Christian III in 1537. Its buildings were demolished in 1557. Subsequently, a private house was erected on the site, which in 1699 was transformed into the Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster, a Lutheran collegiate foundation for unmarried noblewomen. This institution later merged with the Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster in 1974 and is now known as Roskilde Kloster, continuing a legacy of institutional life on the historic grounds, albeit under a different religious tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Catherine's Priory in Roskilde founded?
St. Catherine's Priory in Roskilde was established in 1231. It was part of the Dominican Order and played a significant role in their network in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages.
What happened to St. Catherine's Priory?
The priory was dissolved during the Danish Reformation. It was officially closed in 1537, and the church and buildings were demolished in 1557.
What is on the site of the former priory now?
After the priory's demolition, a house was built on the site, which was later converted into the Roskilde Adelige Jomfrukloster, a Lutheran collegiate foundation for unmarried noblewomen. This institution later amalgamated with Odense Adelige Jomfrukloster and is now known as Roskilde Kloster.
Who were some notable figures associated with St. Catherine's Priory?
Notable figures included Friar Bo, who was excommunicated, Prior Petrus Brackæ, and Johan Nyborg, who became Bishop of Roskilde in 1330. The priory also received significant patronage from Dowager Duchess Ingeborg.
What was the role of the Dominican friars in Roskilde?
The friars' main work involved preaching and teaching, suggesting the presence of a school. As a mendicant order, they relied on donations. They also held priestly functions for the nearby St. Agnes' Priory for Dominican nuns.
Related Monasteries
Alling Abbey
Alling Abbey was one of the last Benedictine monasteries built in Denmark, established north of Silkeborg before 1250. It followed a typical monastic architectural pattern, with ranges surrounding St. Hans Church to isolate the monks. Following the Danish Reformation, the abbey was secularized and subsequently demolished in the late 16th century, with its site now preserved and partially excavated.
Dominican Priory, Viborg
The Dominican Priory, Viborg, also known as Blackfriars (Sortebrødrekloster), was a significant medieval monastery in Viborg, Denmark, founded by Bishop Gunnar of Viborg around 1227. It served as a center for Dominican friars engaged in teaching and prayer, notable for its preaching in Danish from 1254. The priory was dissolved in 1529 during the Reformation, and while the church continued as a parish church, the priory buildings were later demolished and rebuilt.
Franciscan Friary, Copenhagen
The Franciscan Friary in Copenhagen, also known as Greyfriars, was established in 1238 by Countess Ingerd of Revenstein and became the most significant Franciscan house in Denmark. At its peak, it included a church, refectory, and a great hall used for state meetings, alongside a guesthouse, hospital, and gardens. The friary was dissolved in the 1530s due to the spread of Lutheran doctrines and local opposition to monastic begging, with its properties eventually being repurposed for public use, including a hospital and later a prison.