Sæby Church
On the western edge of the village of Sæby lies Sæby Church, surrounded by a churchyard wall and pollarded lime trees. The church impresses with its size and its bright, neoclassical appearance – yet behind its walls lies a far older history, along with remarkable works of art and architecture.
Sæby Church is often referred to as the cathedral of Hornsherred due to its unusually large size with two side aisles. Although the church today appears younger than many other village churches in the area, its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Its present appearance is the result of an extensive reconstruction in 1824, after a dramatic event permanently altered the character of the church.
From medieval church to a neoclassical whole
The original church was a Romanesque tufa stone church, roughly corresponding to the present-day nave. The tufa stone was quarried at Sortekilden near Kirke Sonnerup. In the 14th century, vaults were added, and in the 15th century a west tower was constructed. The tower collapsed on Christmas Eve 1823 and destroyed large parts of the church.
The reconstruction of 1824
After the collapse, the church was rebuilt on the initiative of the landowner Nicolai Abraham Holten of Krabbesholm Manor. The task was entrusted to royal master builder Jørgen Hansen Koch, a pupil of C.F. Hansen. The result is a harmonious church characterised by the clean lines and symmetry of classicism, with an interior in a pronounced Empire style, complemented by pointed-arch windows with Gothic features.
Altarpiece and baptismal font
The altarpiece was painted by the renowned Danish artist C.W. Eckersberg and depicts the resurrected Christ revealing himself to two women. The composition is calm and directs the viewer’s gaze back towards the figure of Christ. The baptismal font also dates from the reconstruction and was designed by architect Gustav Friedrich Hetsch. Its elegant form and lion’s feet are typical of the Empire style.
Portraits, pulpit and reliefs
In the northern side aisle hang portraits of Baron Oluf Rosenkrantz and his wife Birgitte Krabbe, former owners of the church. The pulpit and hymn number boards were designed by Jørgen Hansen Koch and executed in white and gold. The nave walls are also adorned with two plaster reliefs by the sculptor H.V. Bissen depicting scenes from the life of Jesus.
The churchyard surrounding the church
The churchyard surrounding Sæby Church has retained its layout from the reconstruction in 1824. In the north-eastern corner stands a prominent grave monument to the farmer Lars Pedersen, erected by Nicolai Abraham Holten and executed by the sculptor H.E. Freund.
Tip
Combine your visit to Sæby Church with a walk in the open countryside around Sæby or continue on towards Roskilde Fjord. The area offers peaceful villages, views of the fjord and excellent opportunities to experience the distinctive natural and cultural landscape of Hornsherred.