What if these chalk ashlar stones could talk? They’d tell tales dating back to the 1180s at Brønshøj Kirke. Brønshøj Kirke stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s rich history. It is the oldest building in the municipality since 1901.
Brønshøj Kirke began its story over eight centuries ago. Bishop Absalon founded it. He used chalk ashlar in the Romanesque style. Initially, the church was dedicated to Saint Laurence. Records first mention it under that name in papal letters from 1186 and 1193. These letters state Absalon owned land in Brønshøj. He also had patronage over the church.
Around 1450 a redbrick Gothic tower was added. This addition marked a shift in architectural styles. In 1892 a porch was added. Later in 1942, a sacristy was built. These additions reflect changing needs and tastes over the centuries.
The church has weathered many storms. During the Swedish occupation of 1658, its interior suffered greatly. It was ransacked and used as an armoury and weapons store. Fortunately, some treasures survived. The 1587 altarpiece and the font were preserved. However, the rest of the church furniture was lost. The current Baroque pulpit dates from 1678.
Even the British left their mark. In 1807 during the Battle of Copenhagen they camped in the church’s cemetery. Imagine soldiers bivouacking among the tombstones.
Brønshøj Kirke’s history extends beyond battles. The large Brønshøj Parish has been divided over time. Numerous churches were built within the original parish. These include Kapernaumskirken in 1902 and Vanløse Kirke in 1909. Grøndalskirken in 1922 and Husum Kirke in 1928 followed. Ansgar Kirke in 1933, Adventskirken in 1942, and Hyltebjerg Kirke in 1946. Lundehus Kirke in 1957, Utterslev Kirke in 1938, Tagensbo Kirke in 1945, Emdrup Kirke in 1947. Also Husumvold Kirke in 1960 and Tingbjerg Kirke in 1983.
The church’s structure tells its own story. Originally the ship had a door to the south and one to the north. The south door is still in use. The north door remains walled up. Each of the ship’s long walls had three small Romanesque windows. The choir has two walled-up Romanesque windows to the east. The outer part of the choir walls was rebuilt in 1892. The ship’s long walls have slightly protruding pilasters from Romanesque times. They feature round-arched friezes between them.
Brønshøj Kirke has made its mark on the silver screen. It served as a location in films. “Min søsters børn på bryllupsrejse” from 1967 featured the church. Also, “Zappa” from 1983 and “Max pinlig” from 2008 used it as a backdrop.
As you stand here consider the layers of history. Imagine the sounds of the past echoing through the stones of Brønshøj Kirke. From its founding by Bishop Absalon to its role in Swedish and British conflicts this church has been a silent witness. It has seen centuries of change. Brønshøj Kirke remains a vital part of Copenhagen’s heritage.