Gjorslev, Gothic castle in Stevns Municipality, Denmark
Gjorslev is a castle with a cruciform layout surrounded by water-filled moats, constructed from local limestone and large bricks called monk stones. The central tower spans seven stories and forms the dominant element of the entire structure.
The castle was founded in 1396 by Peder Jensen Lodehat and served as a seat for the bishops of Roskilde. In 1537, it was seized during the Reformation and lost its religious authority.
The castle served as a bishop's residence and held religious authority over the surrounding lands. Visitors can sense how this place shaped spiritual and administrative life in the region for centuries.
The property sits about 17 kilometers southeast of Køge and is straightforward to reach. Spend time walking around the exterior and viewing the moats from different angles to appreciate the full layout.
The limestone quarried from this castle was later reused in the construction of the Lindencrone Mansion in Copenhagen. This connection reveals how materials from this medieval site influenced the city's architecture in the 19th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.