New attraction for the Royal Church of Denmark
Development of a new attraction in Ringsted for Denmark's royal church: Sankt Bendt's Church
Museum Vestsjælland has joined forces with Region Zealand, Ringsted Municipality and Ringsted Parish Council to develop a new attraction in Ringsted. Follow the developments on this page.
Background of the project
Museum Vestsjælland is leading the new project "New attraction for Denmark's royal church". It is being implemented in collaboration with Ringsted Parish Council, Ringsted Municipality and Region Zealand. The project aims to convey the unique history of Sct. Bendts Kirke and the town of Ringsted and pave the way for a greater role on the cultural map of Denmark.
Ringsted is one of Zealand's oldest towns and has a unique history. Here, Zealand's county council and highest court were located under Canute the Great. Coins were minted here in the 1000th century. And here is Sct. Bendts Kirke – Denmark's first royal church and also the first brick church in the Nordic countries. The church is a central monument in Danish history and a significant place for cultural and religious history.
St. Bendts Kirke was built at the behest of Valdemar the Great and consecrated in 1170. The church is located on a hill, and with its impressive volume it stands out well in the landscape and in the field of vision. The history of the church is quite unique, and it is precisely this history and the story of the history of Ringsted town that will be part of the main attraction in the upcoming visitor center.
How far are we?
The work to determine the specific content, location and financing of the visitor center has now begun. In close collaboration with the various stakeholders, work is now underway to find the best solution for the city's citizens.
The goal is to create a visitor center that will be attractive to all age groups, and that will appeal to both local, regional and international audiences. The project is planned as a multifunctional gathering place for the city's citizens and guests, as a contribution to Ringsted's urban life and identity.
Collaborates
Region Zealand has provided support for the project, and the project has also received funding from the Finance Act 2025.
Ringsted Municipality plays a key role in the project, and will, among other things, work to find a suitable location for the visitor center.
"A visitor center for Sct. Bendts Kirke is a fantastic opportunity to create even more life and tourism in Ringsted. The church is our most significant cultural heritage, and with a past as a royal burial church, it contains both royal and noble graves with significant personalities from Danish history. We look forward to helping to realize this ambitious project. We are now starting to investigate the location options, and the entire City Council looks forward to continuing the close collaboration with Museum Vestsjælland and the Parish Council,” says Klaus Hansen, mayor of Ringsted Municipality.
The Ringsted Parish Parish Council also sees great prospects in the establishment of a new information center that can create a better framework for telling the history of the church.
"Sct. Bendts Kirke has a unique place in the history of Denmark and is an important cultural institution in the local area. We wholeheartedly support the project. At the same time, it is important to us that the visitor center is developed with respect for the church's activities” says Ole Hvidesten, chairman of Ringsted Parish Parish Council.
International standard outreach center
The visitor center will offer a lively and interactive presentation of the unique history and significance of St. Bendts Church for Denmark's royal and ecclesiastical heritage. At the same time, the center will be a central driving force in the development of Ringsted as an attractive cultural and tourist destination.
"We see enormous potential in strengthening the communication of Sct. Bendts Kirke. The upcoming visitor center will be a modern and engaging communication environment, where tourists, school classes and local citizens can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the church and Ringsted. We look forward to the further cooperation between us as a museum, Ringsted Municipality and Sct. Bendts Kirke parish council,” says Eskil Vagn Olsen, director of Museum Vestsjælland.
Saint Bendt's Church
Royals, nobles and saints from the Nordics and the rest of Europe are buried in the royal church Sankt Bendts in Ringsted.
Museum Vestsjælland will unfold the story of the many kings, queens and saints in Sankt Bendt's Church. These are stories that are at the same time a central part of the history of Danish and European power politics and alliances in the Middle Ages.
Contact
Jonas Abkjær Andersen, project manager
jaa@vestmuseum.dk
+45 2559 3851
New attraction for the Royal Church of Denmark is supported by Region Zealand.
