Roskilde (population 52,572) is an ancient city in Denmark, situated in the island of Zealand, 30 km west of Copenhagen. Roskilde was the capital of Denmark until about 1400, when that role transferred to Copenhagen.

The city's early importance is evident from the fact that the Roskilde cathedral was the only cathedral in Zealand until the 20th century. At the Reformation in 1536, the Bishop's residence was moved to Copenhagen, and he from then on held the title Bishop of Zealand .

Roskilde Domkirke (cathedral) is brick-built in the Gothic style, and its twin spires dominate the skyline of the city. Construction started in the 11th century, when an older wooden church was replaced with a stone structure. This, in turn, was rebuilt in brick during the late 12th century.

The Domkirke's role as the main burial place for Danish monarchs lead to extensive additions and alterations over time, as individual rulers added multiple burial chapels. The cathedral is a major tourist attraction.

Another attraction in the city is the VikingeSkibs Museet (Viking Ship Museum). The centrepieces of it its exhibits are the well-preserved remains of five viking ships, excavated from the nearby fjord in the late 1960s. The ships were scuttled there in the 11th century to block a navigation channel, protecting the city (which was the Danish capital at the time) from seaborne assault.

The museum also undertakes research in Experimental archaeology centred on Viking shipbuilding and seaworthiness.

In the 20th century, Roskilde became a university city; Roskilde University (Danish: Roskilde Universitetscenter) was founded in 1972.

Since 1971, a rock music festival has been held annually in the vicinity of Roskilde, the Roskilde Festival. It has grown to become one of the biggest rock/pop festivals in Europe.

See also

• Treaty of Roskilde
• Risø

External links

• Roskilde - official site
• Roskilde Domkirke (English version of Danish Site)
• Vikingeskibsmuseet (Viking Ship Museum, in Danish)