Contemplate those pinnacles. Sankt Matthæus Kirke boasts many pinnacles along its eaves. They also decorate the corners of the tower and the base of the spire. Sankt Matthæus Kirke stands as the oldest and largest church in Vesterbro. This church has witnessed the evolution of its neighborhood.
Sankt Matthæus Kirke is located at the corner of Matthæusgade and Valdemarsgade. The church’s history began in a rapidly growing area. The decommissioning of Copenhagen’s Bastioned Fortifications allowed new districts to emerge. Vesterbro transformed into a crowded working-class neighborhood.
Between 1879 and 1880, Sankt Matthæus Kirke arose. It became the first church in this burgeoning area. The parish back then had about 2000 inhabitants. Ludvig Fenger designed Sankt Matthæus Kirke. He had previously completed St. James’ Church in Østerbro. Master mason Vilhelm Køhler constructed the building.
Sankt Matthæus Kirke remained Vesterbro’s only church until the mid-1890s. By the turn of the 20th century, the population had surged to approximately 7000. The need for more spiritual spaces became apparent.
Like other Danish buildings of its time, Sankt Matthæus Kirke draws inspiration from North Italian Romanesque brick architecture. The Romanesque style is evident in the round-arched forms. Look for them in the friezes and windows. Also, note the striped brickwork above the windows and doors of Sankt Matthæus Kirke.
Inside Sankt Matthæus Kirke, Ludvig Fenger designed most of the inventory. This includes the organ case. A. H. Busch & Sønner created the organ works in 1880. The altarpiece is a mural. Henrik Olrik painted it directly on the wall behind the altar. It depicts the Sermon on the Mount.
Notably, Sankt Matthæus Kirke deviates from the typical east-west orientation of Danish churches. Usually, the chancel faces east. However, Sankt Matthæus Kirke has its entrance towards Valdemarsgade in the east.
The tower features Romanesque-inspired arcades at the top. An octagonal superstructure crowns the tower. It has an eight-sided spire with a copper roof. The main entrance displays round-arched forms. A pair of columns in Fakse limestone flank it. Above the entrance, find a semicircular relief. Vilhelm Bissen created this relief of the Holy Three Kings. The gate is richly ornamented.
Originally, there was a secondary portal north of the tower. A similar one existed south of the tower. In 1962, the southern portal was replaced. It is now an octagonal baptistery with a copper roof.
Sankt Matthæus Kirke stands not just as a building. It’s a testament to Vesterbro’s vibrant history. It has served as a spiritual anchor for generations. Its architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic elements. The interior houses treasures of art and craftsmanship. This church is a landmark. It reflects the district’s transformation. It remains a vital part of Copenhagen’s cultural heritage.