Odense

Odense (Danish pronunciation: [ˈoðˀn̩sə]) is the third largest city in Denmark. It has a population of 168,798 (as of 1 January 2012) and is the main city of the island of Funen . The city is the seat of Odense Municipality, with a population of 191,610 (as of 1 January 2012), and was the seat of Odense County until 1970, and Funen County from 1970 until 1 January 2007, when Funen County became part of the Region of Southern Denmark.

Tourist attractions

Saint Canute's Cathedral (Danish: Sankt Knuds Kirke) was formerly connected with the great Benedictine monastery of the same name, and is one of the largest and finest buildings of its kind in Denmark. It is constructed of brick in a pure Gothic style. Originally dating from 1081–1093, it was rebuilt in the 13th century. Under the altar lies Canute (Danish: Knud), the patron saint of Denmark, who had planned to conquer England, then ruled by William of Normandy . Canute was slain in an insurrection at Odense in 1086. Odense is also the see of the bishop of Funen. The cathedral has the skeletons of both the Saint/King and his brother on public display. A large fragment of Byzantine cloth is displayed next to the two skeletons. The cathedral also boasts one of Denmark's finest altarpieces, a magnificent triptych by Claus Berg . Kings John (Danish: Hans) and Christian II are buried in the city.

Our Lady's Church, built in the 13th century and restored in 1851–1852 and again in 1864, contains a carved 16th century altarpiece by Claus Berg of Lübeck .

Odense Palace was erected by King Frederick IV , who died there in 1730.

There is a theatre as well as a symphony orchestra, a zoo, and the Funen Village (Den Fynske Landsby) which is an open-air museum with old houses typical of Funen.

The City Hall has a small scar from a battle between Germans and members of the Danish Resistance on 5 May 1945. The city's coat of arms – located above the main entrance to City Hall – is damaged. On closer inspection, it can be seen that the kneecap of Saint Canute was penetrated by a bullet.

The 4 most visited attractions in 2007 were:

1. Odense Zoo – 420,254 visitors
2. The Funen Village – 105,040 visitors
3. Danish Railway museum – 97,759 visitors
4. H.C. Andersen's House – 80,622 visitors

Other attractions:

• Odense City Museums
  • Hans Christian Andersen Museum
  • Hans Christian Andersen's House
  • The Funen Village
• Odense Theatre
• Odense Fjord
• Churches & Cathedrals
  • Saint Knud's Cathedral
  • Saint Albani Church
  • Vor Frue Church
  • Saint Hans Church
• Odense Zoo
• Odense Central Library
• Odense Sportspark
• University of Southern Denmark previously known as Odense University
• Odense Symphony Orchestra
• Odense Music School
• Danish Railway Museum
• Nonnebakken
• Teater Momentum
• Galschiøt Art Workshop, founday and Exhibition