Odense

Odense is the third largest city in Denmark with 145,554 inhabitants (Odense city 1st January 2004) and the capital of the island of Funen. It is the council site for both Odense municipality and Funen County.

History

Odense (from Odins Vi, i.e. "Odin's Sanctuary") referring to old Norse mythology, is one of the oldest cities of Denmark and celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1988. The shrine of Saint Knud (also known as Saint Canute) was a great resort of pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages.

Related Topics:
Norse mythology - 1988 - Middle Ages

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In the 16th century the town was the meeting-place of several parliaments, and down to 1805 it was the seat of the provincial assembly of Funen.

Related Topics:
16th century - Funen

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Odense's most famous landmark was Odinstårnet (The Odin Tower) constructed in 1935, as the second-tallest tower in Europe, only surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. Odinstånet was blown up by a Danish Nazi group in 1944 and was never rebuilt.

Related Topics:
Odinstårnet - Eiffel Tower

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