Viborg Cathedral marks 150 years with new carillon

Viborg Cathedral is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its reopening, DR reports, with events throughout the week and the inauguration of a new 24-bell carillon.

The cathedral was inaugurated in 1876 in a ceremony attended by the royal family and around 2,000 guests. Bishop Henrik Stubkjær of the Diocese of Viborg called the anniversary “a huge event”.

“The cathedral here in Viborg is truly a landmark. Not only for the city, but for the entire diocese,” he said.

Celebrations will culminate on Sunday with an anniversary service. Sigurd Barrett has written the words and music for a new hymn, and the Danish Air Force will fly over the cathedral during the service.

Stubkjær said the cathedral plays an important role in the identity of both Viborg and the diocese.

“The cathedral is a unique building. It gives identity,” he said, noting that Viborg’s football and handball teams are often referred to as teams from “the cathedral city”.

The new carillon is mounted on the Margrethe spire and will play hymns in the morning, at midday and during festive events.

It cost around three million kroner and was funded by the Poul Due Jensen Foundation, Nykredit’s Foundation, local businesses and private individuals.

Viborg Cathedral was originally built in the 12th century, but burned down in 1726 before being reopened in 1876.