|
|
|
|
Hjørring lies in the middle of its hinterland. During the course of its 1000-year history, the town has grown outwards from the three approach roads which meet in the town centre from north, southwest and southeast respectively.
|
We find the oldest part of Hjørring around the churches Sct. Catarinæ, Sct. Hans and Sct. Olai. Simply the fact that there are three churches within such a small area is in itself unusual. The quarter has also been carefully restored and maintained, and a walk through the old part of Hjørring is a unique experience.
Hjørring's oldest street has changed its nameNørregade is Hjørring's oldest street. It was originally called Adelgade – a name that dates back prior to 1200. The street runs through the town in more or less the same way that it has done for around 750 years, and the town's old houses and grocery stores are the key elements of the town's old quarter. One of the oldest houses in Nørregade today is Merchant Riis’ estate from the end of the eighteenth century. The town's oldest building is the vicarage, which lies west of Akseltorvet - this building was erected following a major fire in 1693.
|
|
|
|
It's also here that the oldest street names are found: Stokbrogade, which until the end of the 18th century was called Torvegade, Tinpottegyde, Børsen, Store Kirkestræde and Lille Kirkestræde and Bassingade. Earlier, there were probably even more names for streets and alleys.
Akseltorv - Hjørring's oldest squareThe town's oldest square is Akseltorv - the name means that Hjørring was an "axle town", which had its supplies driven to the square by vehicles with axles.
The so-called "Kagen" was also situated on the square - a post to which the region's miscreants were tied and flogged in public.
East of Akseltorv we find the site of Hjørring's first town hall, which was built in around 1600, appropriately named Rådhustorvet.
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 16 2008
Take a tour of the town's churches
Hjørring has three medieval churches that are situated only a stone's throw from each other. A cultural historical tour of these churches spanning eight centuries is thus an attractive opportunity.
The picture above shows Sct. Hans Kirke with Sct. Catharinæ Kirke in the background.
Sankt Catharinæ KirkeThe church is the biggest in Hjørring. The original brick building was built in the first half of the 13th century.
The church that exists today is dominated by subsequent conversions and extensions, including the chancel from the middle of the 15th century and the three-naved northern wing from 1924-26.
The years written on the walls of the tower indicate repairs carried out over the years. The characteristic North Jutland baroque ridges were added in 1793-1795 following a serious fire.
The church's attractive baptismal font was made on Gotland in the 13th century.
Sct. Hans Kirke
The chancel is constructed in granite blocks. The nave is built in brick and decorated with vertical bands and round-arched friezes similar to those at Mårup and Mygdal churches. Sct. Hans Kirke is considered to be the biggest and best maintained of this group.
Sct. Olai KirkeThe church is dedicated to the Norwegian Saint Olai. It's a Romanesque building from the middle of the 12th century.
During restoration work in 1966, in which the floor of the church was dug up, the remains of an older wooden church were discovered, which was probably Hjørring's first and thus oldest church.
|
|
|
|
|