Fjenneslev Church

Facts

Absalon's family church

Fjenneslev Church near Sorø is a Romanesque brick church with two towers, each measuring seven metres tall. Fjenneslev is one of the Hvide family's churches. The most famous member of the family is Absalon, archbishop and founder of Copenhagen. The church is of major importance in Danish history. mainly because of the nationalist interest in Absalon's family church in the 19th century. A mural from the 12th century on the north side of the triumphal wall shows a couple. They are probably Absalon's parents, Asser Rig and Inge Eriksdatter. The man is giving a model of the church to the Lord. Legend has it that Inge had the two towers built after giving birth to two sons while Asser was at war.

Public place

Selected entry

Bridge building gave a sassier status

Story written by Peter Pentz

Time / Periode 1175

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Fjenneslev Churchyard has a runic stone with the inscription Sasser erected stones and made bridges". The runic stone dates back to early Christian times, but has not always stood by the church. It probably stood near Tule River near Sassebro. This was where Sasser built a bridge. Sasser was probably a member of the Hvide family. Improving the infrastructure was considered a worthy occupation in the Viking Age and early Middle Ages. It saved people from annoying detours and accidents. In 1982, Sassebro bridge near Slaglille was examined. A north-south road crossing Tule River was revealed that had once consisted of a stone construction which was also called a bridge. The stone construction was mounted on split oak trees. Between the stones, archaeologists found a small piece of jewellery from the 12th century. The date matches perfectly with the golden age of the Hvide family. "