Sorø Academy

Sorø Academy (Danish, Sorø Akademi) in Sorø, Denmark is the oldest school in Denmark, and is known for its role as both a center of early Scandinavian Christianity and the cradle of many famous Danes, such as writer Ludvig Holberg, who gave his fortune to re-establish the Academy in 1750 after a devastating fire, and the Danish royalty.

Related Topics:
Danish - Sorø - Denmark - Scandinavia - Christian - Ludvig Holberg - Danish royalty

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Its roots date back to 1140 when Archbishop Absalon established the Cistercian monastery of Sorø amid the beautiful lakes and forests of central Zealand. It was originally the school for Danish aristocracy; today it continues to be a center of learning and religion, as a modern local and boarding secondary school, which is open to the public.

Related Topics:
1140 - Archbishop - Absalon - Cistercian - Monastery - Zealand

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Half the monastery burnt down in the 18th century, but the main cathedral survived, and is an amazing example of Cistercian craftsmanship and beauty. It is the third longest church in Denmark, and is one of the first Danish churches built of brick. The Reformation whitewashed the traditional decorations of the church; recently the ancient murals have been uncovered and in part restored to their former glory. Holberg is buried in the church, as are King Valdemar Atterdag (1340 - 1375) and his father King Christoffer II (1276-1332).

Related Topics:
18th century - Cathedral - Brick - Reformation - Valdemar Atterdag - Christoffer II

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The gatehouse is the oldest inhabited building in Denmark today. It is where Saxo Grammaticus wrote the famous chronicles 'Gesta Danorum', a beautiful and outstanding medieval historical work recounting the early Christian history of Scandinavia.

Related Topics:
Saxo Grammaticus - Chronicle - Gesta Danorum - Medieval

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Other Danes associated with the Academy include 19th century painters Frederik Vermehren and Christen Dalsgaard, writer Hans Christian Andersen, and sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt who created the monument to Holberg in the Academy chapel.

Related Topics:
19th century - Frederik Vermehren - Christen Dalsgaard - Hans Christian Andersen - Johannes Wiedewelt

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