The Hospital Church in Horsens

Interesting historical building in the city center

As a side street to Horsens' pedestrian street Søndergade, the beautiful, old, cobblestoned Hospitalsgade lies. As the name suggests, this street has historically been home to the city’s hospital, and the building still stands as a living testament to that time.

In the Middle Ages, a hospital was a place that welcomed the crippled, the elderly, and the sick who could not be cared for by their families. Such hospitals existed in every market town. The hospital in Horsens started as a so-called St. Jørgensgård, tasked with treating highly contagious diseases, particularly leprosy. In 1552, King Christian III ordered St. Jørgensgård to be dissolved, merging it with Aarhus Hospital. However, this turned out to be a mistake, and by 1560, Horsens Hospital was established on the same site with the church as an integral part of the hospital. Here, elderly individuals could find residence and live under secure conditions. The hospital has long since closed, but the building still functions today as housing for the elderly.

About the building

The Hospital Church is distinctly different from the classic Danish village churches. It is integrated as a wing of a distinguished building. When you stand on Hospitalsgade and look at the building, it's clear where the church is located. In the middle of the building, beneath an old hospital clock and bell, there is a portal that serves as the entrance. The entrance divides the building into a right and left section. The shape of the windows makes it evident that the left side houses the church.

Although the hospital from 1560 is among the oldest buildings in Horsens, the church is significantly newer than the many Danish village churches typically built between 1150 and 1250.

The church room itself is quite small (6x12 meters). The interior of the church is primarily from 1869, featuring a distinctive neo-Gothic style. However, there are a few pieces in the church believed to be older. Notably, the church's Romanesque bell is thought to date back to around 1200, and it is believed that the bell was acquired from one of the city's Catholic churches when the hospital was founded in 1560. The bell bears no inscriptions, but its shape suggests it could originate from the 1200s. It is placed in a special foundation in the ceiling above the Hospital Church. Automatic ringing has been installed, allowing the bell to be controlled from within the church.

The church’s altarpiece is from 1869, but valuable sculptures from the original altarpiece have been preserved and reused.

In the courtyard west of the church building, there is a yard with paving and flower beds filled with roses and lavenders. In the courtyard, you will find a bronze sculpture called "Mother and Child," created by sculptor Gottfred Eickhoff in 1968.

The church is closed

After nearly 500 years of functioning as an active church, Horsens Hospital Church closed at the end of 2021. Therefore, it is not possible to visit the church, but you can still admire the old building from the outside, which stands beautifully in the quaint, idyllic street.

More historical attractions

The coastal region offers many exciting historical attractions, ranging from ancient times to industrial history. From museums to architectural landmarks and natural attractions, you can find inspiration for historically interesting experiences near Horsens, Odder, and Juelsminde.