Imagine entering a church where the orientation defies convention. De Gamles Bys Kirke stands before us. It is not aligned east to west like most Danish churches. Instead, its main entrance faces east directly onto Alléen. An apse graces the west side. This unique orientation makes De Gamles Bys Kirke special.
De Gamles Bys Kirke’s history dates back to 1892. Architect Vilhelm Petersen designed this church. It is located on Edith Rodes Vej in Nørrebro. This places it within Copenhagen Municipality.
The church is an octagonal, historicist building. Notice the slightly projecting pillars at each corner. These are called lisener. Above them runs a Doric frieze. It follows the ancient Greek style. Look for the triglyphs. These are the projecting rectangular blocks with three vertical grooves. The sides have large round-arched windows. These are adorned with small panes.
Side buildings feature prominent gable triangles. Doors and windows vary on the sides and gable. Every opening in De Gamles Bys Kirke has a round-arched frame at the top. Take a moment to appreciate these architectural details.
The tower’s tambour supports the cupola. A tambour is the part that carries the dome. It has round windows with circular frames on all sides. Above this, the dome’s curved roof rises. Dormers with mullioned windows dot the surface. At the very top, a small spire rises. A lantern sits atop the spire. The bell hangs inside.
De Gamles Bys Kirke is part of the Simeon-Sankt Johannes Parish. It falls under the Nørrebro Deanery. This church is within the Diocese of Copenhagen. The name “De Gamles By” means “The Old People’s City.” It refers to the surrounding area with nursing homes and residences for the elderly. These were created in 1919 by merging Almindeligt Hospital’s buildings from 1892 and Copenhagen’s old age home built in 1901.
Inside De Gamles Bys Kirke, the atmosphere is serene. Light streams through the windows. It illuminates the altar, pulpit, and baptismal font. A church ship hangs gracefully from the ceiling. An organ stands proudly, its facade impressive. Notice the smaller organ, equally beautiful. These elements combine to create a space of reverence.
Consider the gravestones. They tell silent stories of those who came before. Anne-Mette Gravgaard explored Copenhagen’s churches in her book. She captured the longing realized in these urban sanctuaries. De Gamles Bys Kirke stands as a testament to architectural beauty. It also stands as a place of solace in the heart of Nørrebro.