Immaculata Kirke

In the tranquil sanctuary of Østerbro, stands the Immaculata Kirke. A hidden gem amidst the bustling streets of Copenhagen, Immaculata Kirke whispers tales of devotion and architectural beauty. Immaculata Kirke, a Catholic church, part of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry convent, invites you to step into its serene embrace. Constructed between 1904 and 1905, Immaculata Kirke’s red brick facade, crowned with a slate-covered pitched roof, stands as a testament to its Gothic heritage. The architects, Christian Mandrup-Poulsen and Martin Larsen, imbued Immaculata Kirke with a distinct charm. As you approach the entrance on the eastern gable, a brick portal with a pointed archway welcomes you. Above, a large circular window casts a gentle light onto the facade. Buttresses, crafted from the same red brick, divide the facade and add to the church’s visual appeal. The tall, pointed windows, reinforced with sturdy bars, complete the Gothic aesthetic. Inside Immaculata Kirke, a sense of peace washes over you. The eastern section, divided into two levels, houses a vestibule and an organ gallery. The main space, soaring to full height, is adorned with cross vaults. The walls and vaults, painted in pristine white, create a backdrop for the vibrant red brick of the supporting arches and pilasters. The gray-painted doors and the tiled floor echo these colors, creating a harmonious visual symphony. A northside annex and a corresponding southside niche subtly shape the room into a cross form. The choir, elevated four steps above the nave, is flanked by imposing wooden statues of Mary with the infant Jesus and Joseph. A simple, modern altar, lectern, and tabernacle, all with grooved pedestals, stand in the choir. Above the altar, a wooden crucifix hangs, a poignant symbol of faith. The original lacquered wooden pews, complete with red cushions, invite quiet contemplation. Beneath the high windows, a frieze of dwarf half-columns, connected by cloverleaf arches, adorns the walls of both the nave and the choir. Fourteen small bronze reliefs depicting the Stations of the Cross hang between the columns, offering a path for reflection. The windows of Immaculata Kirke are adorned with glass paintings crafted by Gustave Ladon in Gent in 1908. The organ, built by Chr. Winther & Th. Frobenius in 1911, boasts 14 stops distributed across two manuals and a pedal. Its Gothic facade complements the church’s architecture. Immaculata Kirke, a testament to faith and artistry, offers a sanctuary for the soul in the heart of Copenhagen.