View source for Roskilde

{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
| name                   = Roskilde
| nickname               =
| settlement_type        = Town
| motto                  =
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
| image_skyline          =RD_fra_bispegaarden.jpg
| image_caption          = [[Roskilde Cathedral]]
| image_flag             =
| flag_size              =
| image_seal             = Roskildedomkirkessegl.jpg
| seal_size              =
| image_shield           = Coat of arms of Roskilde.svg
| shield_size            =
| pushpin_map            = Denmark#Denmark Region Zealand<!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map -->
| pushpin_label_position =right
| pushpin_map_caption    =Location in Denmark
| pushpin_mapsize        =
| pushpin_relief         = 
<!-- Location ------------------>
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = Denmark
| subdivision_type1      = [[Regions of Denmark|Region]]
| subdivision_name1      = [[Region Zealand|Zealand (''Sjælland'')]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[Municipalities of Denmark|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name2      =  [[Roskilde Municipality|Roskilde]]
<!-- Politics ----------------->
| government_footnotes   =
| government_type        =
| leader_title           =Mayor
| leader_name            = Thomas Bredam ([[Social Democrats (Denmark)|S]])
| established_title      =  Established
| established_date       = 980s
| established_title2     =  City charter
| established_date2      = 
| established_title3     = Current municipality
| established_date3      =
<!-- Area    --------------------->
| area_magnitude         =
| area_footnotes         =
| area_total_km2         = 
| area_land_km2          = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion-->
| area_water_km2         =
| area_urban_km2         = 21.3
| area_metro_km2         =
<!-- Population   ----------------------->
| population_as_of               = 1 January 2025
| population_footnotes           = <ref name="pop1">{{cite web|title=BY3: Population 1. January by urban areas, area and population density|url=https://m.statbank.dk/TableInfo/BY3?lang=en|website=statbank.dk|publisher=[[Statistics Denmark]]|access-date=21 April 2021|date=1 January 2021}}</ref>
| population_note                =
| population_total               =
| population_density_km2   = auto
| population_metro               =
| population_density_metro_km2   =
| population_urban               = 53354
| population_density_urban_km2   = auto
| population_blank1_title        = Gender<ref>[https://m.statbank.dk/TableInfo/BY1?lang=en BY1: Population 1. January by urban areas, age and sex] The Mobile Statbank from [[Statistics Denmark]]</ref>
| population_blank1    = 25751 males and 27603 females
| population_demonym   = Roskildenser
<!-- General information  --------------->
| timezone       = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset     = +1
| timezone_DST   = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST = +2
| coordinates            = {{coord|55|39|N|12|05|E|region:DK|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes    =  <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags-->
| elevation_m            =
| elevation_ft           =
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
| postal_code_type       = Postal code
| postal_code            =
DK-4000 Roskilde
| area_code              = 
| blank_name             =
| blank_info             =
| blank1_name            =
| blank1_info            =
| website                = [http://www.roskilde.dk www.roskilde.dk]
| footnotes              =
}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
'''Roskilde''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɒ|s|k|ɪ|l|ə}} {{respell|ROSK|il|ə}},<ref>{{Cite dictionary |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Roskilde |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322182256/https://www.lexico.com/definition/roskilde |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-03-22 |title=Roskilde |dictionary=[[Lexico]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref> {{IPA|da|ˈʁʌskilə|lang}}) is a city {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} west of [[Copenhagen]] on the Danish island of [[Zealand]]. With a population of 53,354 ({{As of|2025|01|01|lc=on}}),<ref name="pop1" /> the city is a business and educational centre for the region and the 10th largest city in Denmark. It is governed by the administrative council of [[Roskilde Municipality]].

Roskilde has a long history, dating from the pre-Christian [[Viking Age]]. Its UNESCO-listed [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] [[Roskilde Cathedral|cathedral]], now housing 39 tombs of the Danish monarchs, was completed in 1275, becoming a focus of religious influence until the [[Danish Reformation|Reformation]].
With the development of the rail network in the 19th century, Roskilde became an important hub for traffic with Copenhagen, and by the end of the century, there were tobacco factories, iron foundries and machine shops. Among the largest private sector employers today are the IT firm BEC (Bankernes EDB Central) and seed company [[DLF (seed company)|DLF]]. The [[Risø DTU National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy|Risø]] research facility is also becoming a major employer, extending interest in sustainable energy to the [[clean technology]] sphere. The [[Roskilde University|local university]], founded in 1972, the historic [[Roskilde Cathedral School|Cathedral School]], and the [[Danish Meat Trade College]], established in 1964, are educational institutions of note. Roskilde has a [[Roskilde Sygehus|large local hospital]] which has been expanded and modernized since it was opened in 1855. It is now increasingly active in the research sphere. The [[Sankt Hans Hospital|Sankt Hans psychiatric hospital]] serves the [[Capital Region of Denmark|Capital Region]] with specialized facilities for [[forensic psychiatry]].

The cathedral and the [[Viking Ship Museum (Roskilde)|Viking Ship Museum]], which contains the well-preserved remains of five 11th-century ships, attract more than 100,000 visitors annually. In addition to its internationally recognized tourist attractions and its annual [[Roskilde Festival|rock festival]], Roskilde is popular with shoppers thanks to its two centrally located pedestrian streets complete with restaurants, cafés, and a variety of shops. The city is home to the [[FC Roskilde]] football club which play in the [[Danish 1st Division]], the [[Roskilde Vikings RK]] rugby club, and the rowing club, [[Roskilde Roklub]]. In the 1970s, the city benefited from the opening of the university and from the completion of the [[Danish national road 21|Holbæk Motorway]] connecting it to Copenhagen. Roskilde has the oldest operational [[Roskilde railway station|railway station]] in Denmark, with connections across Zealand as well as with [[Falster]], [[Lolland]], and [[Jutland]]. The local [[Roskilde Airport|airport]] opened in 1973, mainly serving light aircraft for business use and flight instruction.

Among the city's notable citizens are [[Absalon]], the bishop who founded Copenhagen in the 12th century, [[L. A. Ring]], the [[Symbolism (arts)|symbolist]] painter who gained fame in the 1880s, the writer [[Lise Nørgaard]] who wrote the popular Danish TV series ''[[Matador (Danish TV series)|Matador]]'' in 1978 and the rower [[Thomas Ebert]] who became an Olympic gold medallist in 2004.

==History==
Roskilde, which developed as the hub of the Viking land and sea trade routes over a thousand years ago, is one of Denmark's oldest cities. From the 11th century until 1443, it was the capital of Denmark.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/510041/Roskilde|title=Roskilde|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> By the [[Middle Ages]], with the support of kings and bishops, it had become one of the most important centres in Scandinavia.<ref name="vrh">{{cite web|title=Roskilde's history|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/roskildes-history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724195852/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/roskildes-history|url-status=usurped|archive-date=24 July 2013|access-date=9 December 2014|publisher=Visit Roskilde}}</ref> [[Saxo Grammaticus]] and other early sources associate the name ''Roskilde'' (meaning 'Ro's spring') with the legendary [[Hroðgar|King Roar]] who possibly lived there in the 6th century.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Nordisk_Mytologi/Sagnfigurer/Roar_og_Helge|title=Roar og Helge|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|date=9 December 2015|access-date=23 July 2015|language=da}}</ref> 
[[File:Old mao of Roskilde.jpg|thumb|Old map of Roskilde]]
According to [[Adam of Bremen]] and Saxo Grammaticus, Roskilde was founded in the 980s by [[Harald Bluetooth]]. On high ground above the harbour, he built a wooden church consecrated to the Holy Trinity as well as a royal residence nearby.<ref name=dcbh>{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/by.aspx?koebstadID=44|title=Danmarks Købstæder: Roskilde|publisher=Dansk Center for Byhistorie|access-date=9 December 2014|language=da}}</ref> Although no traces of these buildings have been discovered, in 1997 archaeologists found the remains of Viking ships in the [[Isefjord]], the oldest of which is dated to 1030. At the time, there were also two churches in the area: [[St Jørgensbjerg Church|St Jørgensbjerg]], an early stone church, and a wooden church discovered under today's [[St Ib's Church, Roskilde|St Ib's Church]].<ref name=dsdrh>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/K%C3%B8benhavn/Roskilde/Roskilde_%28Historie%29|title=Roskilde – historie|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=9 December 2014|language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sjk.dk/om-kirken/sognets-historie/havneby-ca-1040-ca-1250|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209130347/http://www.sjk.dk/om-kirken/sognets-historie/havneby-ca-1040-ca-1250/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2014|title=Havneby ca. 1040 – ca. 1250|publisher=Sankt Jørgensbjerg Kirke, Roskilde|access-date=9 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>

In 1020, [[King Canute]] elevated [[Roskilde (titular see)|Roskilde]] to a bishopric, giving it high national status.<ref name=dcbh/> [[Absalon]], the Danish bishop, had a brick church built on the site of Harald's church in 1170. Today's cathedral was completed in 1275 after five of Absalon's successors had contributed to its construction. As a result of Absalon's influence, many other churches were built in the vicinity, making Roskilde the most important town in Zealand. Coins were minted there from the 11th to the 14th century.<ref name=dcbh/> In 1150, [[Sweyn III of Denmark|Sweyn Grathe]] built a moat around the city.<ref name=dsdrh/> In 1135 the town was destroyed by the Pomeranian duke [[Ratibor I, Duke of Pomerania|Ratibor I]]. In 1151/2, a religious confraternity was founded for the defence of the town against [[Wends|Wendish]] pirates. Under the command of [[Wetheman]], it also took part in the [[Wendish Crusade]].<ref>{{citation |first=Janus Møller |last=Jensen |title=Wetheman (d. c. 1170) |encyclopedia=The Crusades: An Encyclopedia |editor=Alan V. Murray |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2006 |volume=4 vols |at=vol. 4, p. 1276}}.</ref> The Roskilde bishops owned large areas of land in the region including, from 1186, Havn on the [[Øresund]] which later became Copenhagen. By the time of the [[Danish Reformation]] in 1536, there were 12 churches and five monasteries in the city.<ref name=dcbh/>
[[File:Roskilde ratusz mpazdziora.jpg|thumb|left|The former city hall of Roskilde, completed in 1884]]
It is unclear when Roskilde became a market town but it was certainly enjoying trading privileges under [[Eric II of Denmark|King Eric II]] who reigned from 1134 to 1137. These privileges were firmly established when the Roskilde City Council granted market town status to other towns on Zealand on 15 June 1268.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/privilegier/by.asp?koebstadID=44|title=Den Digitale Byport: Roskilde|publisher=Dansk Center for Byhistorie|access-date=9 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> By that time, it was probably the largest and most important town in Denmark. In 1370, the city owned 2,600 farms throughout Zealand.<ref name=dsdrh/>

The Reformation brought Roskilde's development to an abrupt stop. While the cathedral continued to be the preferred location for the entombment of the Danish monarchs, most of the other religious institutions disappeared. For the next three centuries, the city suffered a series of disasters including the effects of the [[Dano-Swedish War (1657–58)|Dano-Swedish War]] which terminated with the [[Treaty of Roskilde]] in 1658,<ref name=roscomh>{{cite web|url=http://roskilde.com/cmarter.asp?doc=2963&node=977|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214180148/http://www.roskilde.com/cmarter.asp?doc=2963&node=977|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2007|title=History of Roskilde|publisher=Roskilde.com|access-date=10 December 2014}}</ref> the plague in 1710 and 1711,<ref name="Frandsen2010">{{cite book|last=Frandsen|first=Karl-Erik|title=The Last Plague in the Baltic Region, 1709–1713|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F3bNWrVRMb8C&pg=PA460|date=January 2010|publisher=Museum Tusculanum Press|isbn=978-87-635-0770-7|pages=460–}}</ref> and a series of fires in 1730.<ref name=roscomh/> Conditions improved in 1835 when the city became the Assembly of the Estates of the Realm ({{Lang|da|Rådgivende Stænderforsamling}}) and in 1847 with the railway connecting Copenhagen and Roskilde.<ref name=dcbh/>

[[File:Maglekilde-Maskinfabrik.jpg|thumb|right|Maglekilde Machine Factory (completed 1865)]]
With the development of the rail network, Roskilde became an important hub for traffic with Copenhagen. In the 1870s and 1880s, the harbour was extended attracting industrial firms to the area. By the end of the century, there were tobacco factories, iron foundries and machine shops. At the beginning of the 20th century, Roskilde first prospered as a satellite community for Copenhagen but then, as ships increased in size, suffered from the fact that the harbour was too small and [[Roskilde Fjord]] too shallow for navigation. Industries began to move out of the harbour area but were still the largest source of employment, thanks in part to the spirits factory (''[[Danish Distillers|De Danske Spritfabrikker]]'') and the slaughterhouse ({{Lang|da|Roskilde Andelssvineslagteri}}).<ref name=dcbh/>

In the 1970s, the city benefited from the [[Danish national road 21|Holbæk Motorway]] which linked it to Copenhagen and the establishment of [[Roskilde University]] in 1972. Since the 1980s, the service sector has prospered, replacing manufacturing industry as the major employer (65% by 2002).<ref name=dcbh/> With the increase in population, several new districts have grown up, including [[Himmelev]] and Kongebakken. Some of the surrounding villages such as [[Svogerslev]], Vor Frue, [[Vindinge, Roskilde Municipality|Vindinge]] and Veddelev have developed as satellite communities.<ref name=dsdr>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/K%C3%B8benhavn/Roskilde|title=Roskilde|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=10 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Boserup Skov, Roskilde.jpg|thumb|Boserup Skov]]
Roskilde is located in north-central [[Zealand]] at the south end of Roskilde Fjord which is itself the south branch of the [[Isefjord]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Danmarks_geografi_og_historie/Danmarks_geografi/Indre_danske_farvande/Roskilde_Fjord|title=Roskilde Fjord|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|date=7 August 2013 |access-date=10 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> By road, it is {{convert|35.6|km}} west of downtown Copenhagen, {{convert|25.8|km|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Køge]] and {{convert|39.8|km}} northeast of [[Ringsted]].<ref name="GM"/> The city centre around the cathedral, {{convert|1300|m|abbr=on}} south of the fjord, is about {{convert|40|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.<ref name="GM">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.lu/maps/place/4000+Roskilde,+D%C3%A4nemark/@55.6701434,12.0813056,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x46525fc995012f29:0xa00afcc1d507710|title=Roskilde|publisher=Google maps|access-date=10 December 2014 }}</ref> On the slope down to the harbour, there are a number of springs, the most powerful of which is [[Maglekilde]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/kob_amt_1267-1755_01.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608010042/http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/kob_amt_1267-1755_01.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 June 2015|title=Estrids stenkirke og Svend Normands katedral|publisher=National Museum of Denmark|access-date=10 December 2014|language=da}}</ref> The historic centre of the town covers the area around the main streets Skomagergade and Algade including the squares of Stændertorvet and Hestetorvet. Two parks, [[Byparken, Roskilde|Byparken]] and [[Folkeparken, Roskilde|Folkeparken]] which run down towards the fjord, are immediately north of the old town.<ref name=dsdr/>

Neighbourhoods in the vicinity include [[Himmelev]], [[Hyrdehøj]], [[Musicon]], [[Sankt Jørgensbjerg]] and [[Trekroner]]. Boserup Skov, a wood next to Roskidle Fjord {{convert|3|km|0|abbr=on}} northwest of the city centre, consists mainly of beech trees. In spring, its hilly slopes are covered with wild flowers, including white, blue and yellow [[anemone]]s. Chaffinches, nightingales and other songbirds can be heard in the early summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.dk/danmark/boserup-skov-gdk619545|title=Boserup Skov|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=10 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> Also of note is the recently planted wooded area of Hyrdehøj Skov, to the south of the stadium and just north of Route 23 in the southern outskirts of Roskilde.<ref name="GM"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://naturstyrelsen.dk/publikationer/2009/mar/velkommen-i-hyrdehoej-skov/|title=Velkommen i Hyrdehøj Skov |publisher=Miljøministeriet: Naturstyrelsen|access-date=14 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

==Climate==

{{Weather box|width=auto
|collapsed=yes
|location= Roskilde ([[Roskilde Airport]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1974–1997)
|metric first=Yes
|single line=Yes
|Jan record high C = 10.5
|Feb record high C = 14.5
|Mar record high C = 18.6
|Apr record high C = 27.0
|May record high C = 31.0
|Jun record high C = 31.0
|Jul record high C = 33.1
|Aug record high C = 33.2
|Sep record high C = 27.2
|Oct record high C = 22.3
|Nov record high C = 14.0
|Dec record high C = 12.7
|Jan record low C = -21.3
|Feb record low C = -20.0
|Mar record low C = -20.4
|Apr record low C = -7.7
|May record low C = -3.0
|Jun record low C = 0.5
|Jul record low C = 4.0
|Aug record low C = 3.9
|Sep record low C = -2.0
|Oct record low C = -6.2
|Nov record low C = -14.0
|Dec record low C = -21.0
|Jan high C = 3.1
|Feb high C = 3.3
|Mar high C = 6.3
|Apr high C = 11.4
|May high C = 15.8
|Jun high C = 19.1
|Jul high C = 21.6
|Aug high C = 21.3
|Sep high C = 17.3
|Oct high C = 12.1
|Nov high C = 7.3
|Dec high C = 4.3
| year high C = 
|Jan mean C = 0.8
|Feb mean C = 1.0
|Mar mean C = 3.0
|Apr mean C = 7.2
|May mean C = 11.2
|Jun mean C = 14.5
|Jul mean C = 17.0
|Aug mean C = 16.9
|Sep mean C = 13.4
|Oct mean C = 9.0
|Nov mean C = 5.0
|Dec mean C = 2.1
| year mean C = 
|Jan low C = -1.5
|Feb low C = -1.4
|Mar low C = -0.3
|Apr low C = 3.1
|May low C = 6.6
|Jun low C = 10.0
|Jul low C = 12.3
|Aug low C = 12.4
|Sep low C = 9.6
|Oct low C = 6.0
|Nov low C = 2.7
|Dec low C = -0.1
| year low C = 
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 45
|Feb precipitation mm = 28
|Mar precipitation mm = 36
|Apr precipitation mm = 36
|May precipitation mm = 41
|Jun precipitation mm = 51
|Jul precipitation mm = 65
|Aug precipitation mm = 63
|Sep precipitation mm = 57
|Oct precipitation mm = 52
|Nov precipitation mm = 57
|Dec precipitation mm = 53
|year precipitation mm = 
| Jan humidity = 87
| Feb humidity = 85
| Mar humidity = 83
| Apr humidity = 74
| May humidity = 69
| Jun humidity = 71
| Jul humidity = 70
| Aug humidity = 72
| Sep humidity = 78
| Oct humidity = 81
| Nov humidity = 85
| Dec humidity = 87
| year humidity =79
|Jan snow days = 5.5
|Feb snow days = 4.0
|Mar snow days = 3.6
|Apr snow days = 1.3
|May snow days = 0.1
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0.1
|Nov snow days = 1.7
|Dec snow days = 4.7
|year snow days =
|source 1  = Danish Meteorological Institute (precipitation, humidity and snow 1961–1990)<ref name = DMI4>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dmi.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/Rapporter/TR/1997/tr97-8.pdf
| title = Observed Precipitation in Denmark, 1961–90
| publisher = [[Danish Meteorological Institute]]
| access-date = 20 November 2015}}</ref>
|source 2 = IEM (humidity 1992–2020)<ref name = IEM1>{{cite web
|url=https://www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?station=EKRK&network=DK__ASOS
|title= [EKRK] Copenhagen [1977-] Monthly Summaries
|publisher=The Iowa Environmental Mesonet
|access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics and administration==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+[[Roskilde Municipality]] (Q32014)<ref name=Pop2011>{{cite journal | title = Folketal den 1. i kvartalet efter område, oprindelsesland og tid | publisher = Danmarks Statistik | journal = Census Update | volume = 2011 | url = http://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/default.asp?w=853| access-date = 4 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
! '''Country of birth''' || '''Population'''
|-
|{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Denmark]] ||align="right" |76,545
|-
|{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Turkey]] ||align="right" |1,724
|-
| {{flagicon|IRQ}} [[Iraq]] ||align="right" |463
|-
|{{flagicon|POL}} [[Poland]] ||align="right" |437 
|-
| {{flagicon|AFG}} [[Afghanistan]] ||align="right" |411
|-
| {{flagicon|PRC}} [[China]] ||align="right" |361
|-
| {{flagicon|LIB}} [[Lebanon]] || align="right" |342
|-
|{{flagicon|GER}} [[Germany]] ||align="right" |338
|-
| {{flagicon|IRN}} [[Iran]] ||align="right" |227
|-
| {{flagicon|NOR}} [[Norway]] ||align="right" |196
|-
| {{flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]] ||align="right" |192
|-
|{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Sweden]] ||align="right" |184
|-
|}

As early as 1070, Adam von Bremen referred to Roskilde as "Zealand's largest town".<ref name=dsdrh/> At the time of the Reformation in 1536, it had some 6,000 inhabitants but as a result of war, fire and disease, by 1753 its population had dropped to only 1,550.<ref name=vrh/> By the 1860s, it had grown to around 5,000 and by the 1900s to some 9,000. Thereafter it increased appreciably until 1970 when there were almost 45,000 inhabitants. The population dipped slightly to 40,000 in the 1980s, but thanks to improved connections with Copenhagen and the establishment of the university, it grew steadily to reach 47,117 by 2014 making Roskilde Denmark's tenth largest city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/befolkning.aspx?koebstadID=44|title=Roskilde – Historiske befolkningstal|publisher=Dansk Center for Byhistorie|access-date=12 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

In Roskilde Municipality as of 1 October 2014, 76,545 residents had Danish background, 6,287 were immigrants and 2,006 were second or third generation descendants of immigrants.  The most common countries of birth of foreign-born residents of Roskilde Municipality are Turkey, Iraq, Poland and Afghanistan.<ref name=Pop2011/>

Roskilde is governed by the administrative council of [[Roskilde Municipality]]. Following the local elections of November 2013, Joy Mogensen (born 1980), a [[Social Democrats (Denmark)|Social Democrat]], was reappointed mayor (first elected mayor in 2011), gaining three additional seats on the council. The council now consists of 13 seats for the Social Democrats, one for the [[Danish Social Liberal Party|Social Liberal Party]], one for the [[Conservative People's Party (Denmark)|Conservative People's Party]], one for the [[Socialist People's Party (Denmark)|Socialist People's Party]], three for the [[Danish People's Party|People's Party]], nine for the [[Venstre (Denmark)|Left Liberal Party]] and three for the [[Red–Green Alliance (Denmark)|Red–Green Alliance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv2lorry.dk/artikel/190280|title=Roskilde Kommune: Det nye Byråd|publisher=TV2 Lorry|date=22 November 2013|access-date=8 January 2015 }}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:RISOE.jpg|thumb|The Risø research facilities]]
In the 1890s, 37% of Roskilde's economy was in crafts and manufacturing industry with only 15% in administration and services. By 1984, industry had dropped to 16% while services had risen to 57%. In 2002, services had reached 62%, leaving industry at 15% and trade and transport at 22%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dendigitalebyport.byhistorie.dk/koebstaeder/erhverv.aspx?koebstadID=44|title=Roskilde – Historisk erhversfordeling|publisher=Dansk Center for Byhistorie|access-date=12 January 2014|language=da}}</ref>

===Companies===

One of the largest employers in Roskilde is BEC (Bankernes EDB Central) who provide IT services to the financial sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bec.dk/om-bec/om-bec/historie.aspx|title=Historie|publisher=BEC|access-date=13 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> In July 2014, [[Novo A/S]] acquired Sonion, producing micro-acoustical components for hearing aids.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ing.dk/artikel/novo-opkoeber-hoereapparatvirksomheden-sonion-milliardbeloeb-169629|title=Novo opkøber høreapparatvirksomheden Sonion for milliardbeløb|newspaper=Ingeniøren|date=15 July 2014|access-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref> Top-Toy A/S with up to 200 employees is a major Scandinavian toy importer and retailer based in [[Tune, Denmark|Tune]] near [[Roskilde Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/top-toy-as-tune/tune/leget%C3%B8jsforretninger/14669208-2/|title=Top-Toy A/S, Tune|publisher=Proff|access-date=13 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213220336/http://www.proff.dk/firma/top-toy-as-tune/tune/leget%C3%B8jsforretninger/14669208-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[DLF-Trifolium|DLF-Trifolium A/S]], a seed producer for the farming sector, has its headquarters in Roskilde with a workforce of over 50.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/dlf-trifolium-as/roskilde/landbrug/13376803-1/|title=DLF – Trifolium A/S|publisher=Proff|access-date=13 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213220925/http://www.proff.dk/firma/dlf-trifolium-as/roskilde/landbrug/13376803-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ramboll|Rambøll]], the international Danish engineering consultancy, has recently concentrated its Zealand operations in Roskilde bringing 60 new jobs to the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roskilde.lokalavisen.dk/ramboell-flytter-til-roskilde-/20130917/artikler/709189927/1618|title=Rambøll flytter til Roskilde|author=Annette Grundlach|publisher=Roskilde Avis|date=17 September 2013|access-date=13 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

Among the city's smaller companies are GPI (Glim Plastic Industri) established in 1987 producing plastic piping,<ref>{{citation|title=Glim Plastic Industri Af 1987 Aps|publisher=Proff|language=da}}</ref> Roskilde Galvanisering A/S,  one of Denmark's leading [[galvanization]] companies,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/roskilde-galvanisering-as/roskilde/overfladebehandling-af-metal/13326408-2/|title=Roskilde Galvanisering A/S|publisher=Proff|access-date=12 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> and Mathiesen A/S, a wholesaler of office equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/mathiesen-as/roskilde/engroshandel/13502092-1/|title=Mathiesen A/S/|publisher=Proff|access-date=12 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> Vestergaard Company A/S, an American firm which produces de-icing equipment and washing products for the aviation industry, has offices in Roskilde.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/vestergaard-company-as/roskilde/fremstillingsvirksomhed/14417371-1/|title=Vestergaard Company A/S|publisher=Proff|access-date=13 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213220251/http://www.proff.dk/firma/vestergaard-company-as/roskilde/fremstillingsvirksomhed/14417371-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new city district of [[Musicon]] has already attracted 29 businesses in the area of culture and the creative arts, providing over 1,000 jobs.<ref name=musicon>{{cite web|url=http://musicon.dk/om-musicon|title=Om Musicon|publisher=Musicon|access-date=16 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807191832/http://musicon.dk/om-musicon|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Several food industries have their headquarters or production facilities in Roskilde, including: [[Chr. Hansen|Chr. Hansen A/S]], producing cultures for the dairy industry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chr-hansen.com/contact/local-offices/denmark-roskilde.html|title=Denmark, Roskilde|publisher=Chr. Hansen|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213212547/http://www.chr-hansen.com/contact/local-offices/denmark-roskilde.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> DanÆg, eggs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eggsite.dk/Om%20DANAEG.aspx|title=DanÆg|publisher=Eggsite|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213014904/http://www.eggsite.dk/Om%20DANAEG.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> the Scandinavian Pizza Company,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/the-scandinavian-pizza-company-as/roskilde/overnatningsfaciliteter-og-restaurationsvirksomhed/15442322-1/|title=The Scandinavian Pizza Company A/S|publisher=Proff|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213021135/http://www.proff.dk/firma/the-scandinavian-pizza-company-as/roskilde/overnatningsfaciliteter-og-restaurationsvirksomhed/15442322-1/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Stryhns, a [[cold cut]]s and [[Leverpostej|meat paste]] producer with over 100 on the payroll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proff.dk/firma/stryhns-as/roskilde/slagterier/13410767-2/|title=Stryhns A/S|publisher=Proff|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213021132/http://www.proff.dk/firma/stryhns-as/roskilde/slagterier/13410767-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Research parks===
There are a number of research institutes in the city including [[Risø DTU National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy|Risø]], promoting sustainable energy, which is now part of The [[Technical University of Denmark]].<ref name=dsdr/> The research facilities are being extended over an additional {{convert|50|ha|abbr=on}} to cover the [[clean technology]] area liable to provide up to 4,000 more jobs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roskilde.dk/kommunen/kommunen-i-udvikling/forskerpark-risoe-dtu-campus|title=Forskerpark Risø DTU Campus|publisher=Roskilde Kommune|access-date=13 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> The CAT (''Center for Avanceret Teknologi'') research park is also part of the university working mainly in the areas of [[wind energy]] and [[biotechnology]].<ref name=dsdr/> In the public sector, the [[Accident Investigation Board Denmark]] has its headquarters in Roskilde.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.havarikommissionen.dk/index.php?lang=en|title=Havarikommissionen: Accident Investigation Board Denmark|publisher=havarikommissionen.dk|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215326/http://www.havarikommissionen.dk/index.php?lang=en|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Tourism===

An important component of the city's economy is tourism which currently accounts for [[Danish krone|DKK]] 1.2 billion (US$200 million) per annum. Provisional figures show an increase of 16.6% in overnight stays for 2014. The cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum attract more than 100,000 visitors per year although 20 years ago there were some 200,000 visits to the cathedral.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roskilde.lokalavisen.dk/turismen-kan-fordobles-/20141210/artikler/712109869/1829|title=Turismen kan fordobles|publisher=Roskilde Avis|date=10 December 2014|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012723/http://roskilde.lokalavisen.dk/turismen-kan-fordobles-/20141210/artikler/712109869/1829|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city is also popular with shoppers, having received Denmark's Best Shopping City Award in 2012. In addition to a wide variety of shops and restaurants along its two downtown pedestrian streets, Algade and Skomagergade, Roskilde's shopping centre [[Ro's Torv|RO's Torv]] on Københavnsvej to the east of the city houses 70 stores under one roof.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/girls-town-roskilde-and-lejre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108145944/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/girls-town-roskilde-and-lejre|url-status=usurped|archive-date=8 January 2015|title=Girls on the Town in Roskilde|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=8 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/ros-torv-shopping-centre-roskilde-gdk619531|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108141427/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/ros-torv-shopping-centre-roskilde-gdk619531|url-status=usurped|archive-date=8 January 2015|title=RO's Torv Shopping Centre, Roskilde|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=8 January 2015 }}</ref>

One of the oldest restaurants in Roskilde is the ''Raadhuskælderen'', in a building dated to 1430.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=204}} Also of note is ''La Brasserie'' on Algade, the ''Gimle Musikcafe'' on Ringstedgade, which is an English-style pub-restaurant with live music, and ''Restaurant Toppen'' at the top of an {{convert|84|m}} water tower, built in 1961, with fine views of the town.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|pp=204–5}} The 76-room Hotel Prindsen has foundations which date to 1695.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=202}} It has been a hotel for over 100 years and is decorated in the Nordic style with wooden floors and contains the large luxury Hans Christian Andersen suite. [[Scandic Hotel Roskilde]] is a 98-room chain-run hotel established in 1989, with a restaurant serving Danish and international cuisine.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=203}} The thatched-roof Svogerslev Kro is an 18-room inn dated to 1727 in the [[Svogerslev]] area, about 2.5 miles to the west of Roskilde's centre.{{sfn|Porter|Prince|2009|p=203}}

==Cityscape==
[[File:Roskilde domkirke.JPG|thumb|Roskilde viewed from the west]]
The old town of Roskilde is centred around the main square, Stændertorvet, just south of the cathedral. The original street plan is preserved in nearby Skomagergade, Algade and Hestetorvet although most of the buildings were rebuilt after serious fires in the 18th century. The area is flanked to the north by two large parks, Byparken and Folkeparken, which stretch down to Roskilde Fjord.<ref name=dsd/>

The old town is bordered to the south by the railway and main station, beyond which there are commercial buildings and apartment blocks. The residential areas of [[Himmelev]] and Veddelev to the east and north of the city have grown up around former villages. More recently, with the establishment of Roskilde University even further to the east beyond the ring road, the district of [[Trekroner]] is in full development, expected to attain some 3,500 houses in the coming years.<ref name=dsd/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildekommune.dk/webtop/site.aspx?p=22257|title=Byudviklingsstrategi – Roskilde Nord|publisher=Roskilde Kommune|access-date=12 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

One of the most exclusive residential districts of the city, [[Sankt Jørgensbjerg]], covers the hilly area to the northwest, bordered by the fjord. Initially a fishing village dating back to the Viking era, it became part of Roskilde in 1938.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sjblokalraad.dk/om/historien-om-sankt-jorgensb.html|title=Historien om Sankt Jørgensbjerg|publisher=Sankt Jørgensbjerg Lokalråd|access-date=12 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

Finally, Roskilde Municipality is developing the innovative [[Musicon]] quarter to the south of the city in an area of {{convert|25|ha|abbr=on}} where a cement factory once stood.<ref name=musicon/> Located in the same district as the fairgrounds used for the Roskilde Festival, there are medium-term plans for establishing creative companies and housing for young people in the area. A large rock museum named "Ragnarock" opened in April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kultunaut.dk/perl/sted/type-nynaut/nr-1241331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216172402/http://www.kultunaut.dk/perl/sted/type-nynaut/nr-1241331|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2014|title=Musicon|publisher=KulturNaut.dk|access-date=16 December 2014|language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://museumragnarock.dk/en/om-os/|title=Ragnarock|publisher=mueumragnarock.dk|access-date=6 November 2019|language=en|archive-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106090526/http://museumragnarock.dk/en/om-os/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Landmarks==
[[File:Roskilde-domkirke-2003-nord.jpg|right|thumbnail|Roskilde Cathedral]]

=== Roskilde Cathedral ===
{{Main|Roskilde Cathedral}}

Located on the site of a 10th-century wooden church, the cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries when the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style was influenced by [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] trends from northern France.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Arkitektur/Danske_kirker_R-R%C3%A5/Roskilde_Domkirke|title=Roskilde Romkirke|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=12 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> It was the first [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] cathedral in Scandinavia to be built of brick, resulting in the spread of this style throughout northern [[Europe]]. With its 39 royal tombs, the cathedral is to this day the burial site for [[List of Danish monarchs|Danish monarchs]]. Since 1995, it has been listed as a [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]], encouraging some 100,000 tourists to visit it each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/695|title=Roskilde Cathedral|publisher=UNESCO|access-date=12 December 2014 }}</ref> The cathedral houses a museum on its upper floor, tracing the building's history. A working church, it also hosts concerts throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sogn.roskildedomkirke.dk/gudstjenester/|title=Om Domsognet|publisher=Roskilde Domkirke|access-date=15 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Roskilde Palace===
[[File:Roskilde Palace, Denmark.jpg|thumb|Roskilde Palace]]
Adjacent to the cathedral is [[Roskilde Palace]], built from 1733 to 1736 on the site of the former residence of the [[bishop of Roskilde|bishops of Roskilde]]. It was used by members of the royal family when they were in the city or attended funerals. Today it houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/roskilde-palace-gdk619659|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141215120018/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/roskilde-palace-gdk619659|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 December 2014|title=Roskilde Palace|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=15 December 2014 }}</ref><ref name="palace">{{cite web | url = http://www.ses.dk/398855f0 | title = Slots- og Ejendomsstyelsen – Roskilde Palace – History | access-date = 19 February 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060908202448/http://www.ses.dk/398855f0 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date =8 September 2006}}</ref>
During the [[Battle of Copenhagen (1807)|English siege of Copenhagen]] in 1807, the mansion served as headquarters of [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|General Wellesley]], the future Duke of Wellington. Built in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] style with yellow-rendered masonry and red tile roofing, the four-winged complex consists of a two-storey main wing, two one-storey lateral wings and a curved gate wing opening onto the [[Stændertorvet]]. The four wings are connected by curving galleries. Facing the courtyard, the façade of the main wing has [[pilaster]]s and a [[Avant-corps|median risalit]] tipped by a triangular [[pediment]] decorated with the royal coat of arms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arkark.dk/building.aspx?buildingid=1933|title=Roskilde, Det Gule Palæ|language=da|publisher=arkark.dk|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=13 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213203557/http://arkark.dk/building.aspx?buildingid=1933|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Roskilde Convent===
[[File:Roskilde-Kloster.jpg|thumb|Roskilde Convent]]
[[Roskilde Convent]] is on the site of the former St Catherine's Priory from the mid-13th century which belonged to the Dominican friars until it was dissolved after the [[Danish Reformation]]. A private manor house (''Sortebrødregaard'' or Blackfriars Manor) was built on the site in 1565 which in 1699 became a convent for women of high rank, the first of its kind in Lutheran Denmark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jggj.dk/RoskildeOP.htm|title=The Dominican priory and convent of medieval Roskilde, Denmark|author=Johnny Grandjean Gøgsig Jakobsen|publisher=Centre for Dominican Studies of Dacia|access-date=15 December 2014 }}</ref> The building now houses a collection of 150 paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries as well as period furniture. The convent chapel has a carved altarpiece and pulpit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.dk/danmark/roskilde-kloster-gdk660559|title=Roskilde Kloster|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=15 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

===Roskilde Museum===
[[File:Sukkerhuset, Liebes Gård.JPG|thumb|The Sugar House]]
[[Roskilde Museum]] is a local history museum, run by the municipalities of [[Roskilde Municipality|Roskilde]], [[Frederikssund Municipality|Frederikssund]] and [[Lejre Municipality|Lejre]]. The main branch in Roskilde, on the corner of Sankt Olsgade and Sankt Olsstræde, is based in two listed buildings, ''Sukkerhuset'' (the Sugar House) and ''Liebes Gård'' (Liebe House), a former sugar refinery and merchant's house. The Sugar House was built by a consortium led by Johan Jørgen Holst as a facility for the processing of raw sugar from the [[Danish West Indies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildehistorie.dk/gader/Olsgade/sukkerhus/sukkerhus.htm|title=Sukkerhuset|language=da|publisher=Roskilde Museum|access-date=13 December 2014}}</ref>
Jacob Borch constructed Liebe House in 1804 on the site next to the sugar factory. It replaced a modest house with timber framing and a straw roof dating from the 17th century. The building takes its name from the Liebe family who owned the property for two generations later in the century.<ref name=arkark>{{cite web|url=http://www.arkark.dk/building.aspx?buildingid=1393|title=Roskilde Museum, Liebes Gård og Sukkerhuset|language=da|publisher=arkark.dk|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=2 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202102549/http://www.arkark.dk/building.aspx?buildingid=1393|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the occasion of his death in 1900, Liebe left the entire building complex to Roskilde Municipality. In 1908, the Sugar House came into use as a fire station. Roskilde Local History Museum was founded on 12 November 1929 on the ground floor of the Liebe House. When the fire station moved to new premises in 1989, Roskilde Museum took over the Sugar House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildekommune.dk/webtop/site.aspx?p=17972|title=Roskilde Museum og Sukkerhuset|language=da|publisher=Roskilde Municipality|access-date=13 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140122034453/http://www.roskildekommune.dk/webtop/site.aspx?p=17972|archive-date=22 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The museum has exhibits from prehistory, through the Viking Era and the Middle Ages to modern times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildemuseum.dk/forside/afdelingsmenu/afdelingssider/afdelinger/roskilde-museum/main-exhibition.aspx|title=Roskilde Museum, Sankt Ols Gade 18, 4000 Roskilde|publisher=Roskilde Museum|access-date=15 December 2014 }}</ref> The [[Roskilde Museum of Tools|Museum of Tools]], housed in separate premises, contains a collection of tools used by craftsmen such as wheelwrights, carpenters, shoemakers and wood carvers from around 1850 to 1950.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/museum-of-tools-gdk619459|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150117101313/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/museum-of-tools-gdk619459|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 January 2015|title=Museum of Tools|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=11 January 2015 }}</ref>

=== Viking Ship Museum ===
[[File:Skuldelev 3 in Vikingeskibsmuseet, Roskilde.JPG|thumb|right|Viking Ship Museum]]

A major attraction in the city is the [[Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde|Viking Ship Museum]] (''Vikingeskibsmuseet'') located alongside [[Roskilde Fjord]]. The centrepieces of its collection are the well-preserved remains of five 11th-century [[Skuldelev ships|Viking ships]], excavated from the fjord some {{convert|20|km|abbr=on}} north of the city in the late 1960s.<ref name=vsm>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/the-viking-ship-museum-gdk660485|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141217191839/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/the-viking-ship-museum-gdk660485|url-status=usurped|archive-date=17 December 2014|title=The Viking Ship Museum|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref> The ships were scuttled there in the 11th century to block a navigation channel, protecting the city, then the Danish capital, from seaborne assault. The five Viking ships represent several distinct classes, such as the Longship and Warship, and smaller fishing and ferry boats. The ships on display range from 10 feet (3 m) to 50 feet (15 m) in length. The museum also undertakes research in [[experimental archaeology]] centred on Viking shipbuilding and seaworthiness. The boatyard, which also forms part of the museum, safeguards the Viking boat-building tradition by building and exhibiting full-scale ships on site.<ref name=vsm/>

===Ragnarock Museum===
On April 29, 2016, the Ragnarock museum for pop, rock and ungdomskultur (youth culture) in Roskilde was inaugurated by [[Frederik X|Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Ragnarock Roskilde – the golden museum of rock by MVRDV and COBE | url=http://www.inexhibit.com/case-studies/ragnarock-roskilde-the-golden-museum-of-rock-by-mvrdv-and-cobe/|publisher=Inexhibit|access-date= April 29, 2016}}</ref>
The 3,100 square-meter museum, designed by the Dutch architectural firm [[MVRDV]] and by the Danish architecture firm  [[COBE Architects]], presents and disseminates youth culture and [[rock music]] from the 1950s to the present, both as a means of communication and to enhance socialization between people from different cultures and social backgrounds.

===Historic churches===
{{see also|List of churches in Roskilde Municipality}}
[[File:Gammel Vor Frue Kirke Roskilde Denmark.jpg|thumb|Old Church of Our Lady]]
The [[Old Church of Our Lady, Roskilde|Old Church of Our Lady]] (''Gammel Vor Frue Kirke'') is an 11th-century stone church on the southern outskirts of the old town. It is the only surviving [[travertine]] basilica in Denmark with a high central nave opening onto two lower lateral aisles.<ref name=kulturarv>{{cite web|url=http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/gl-vor-frue-kirke/images/newest/1/img-1352a-jpg|title=Roskildes eneste overlevende klosterkirke|author=Søren Lyder Jacobsen|publisher=Kulturarv|access-date=15 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> Its carved altarpiece and pulpit from the 1620s are from [[Brix Michgell]]'s Roskilde workshop. The church was attached to a convent for women of rank until the [[Danish Reformation|Reformation]]. It has been called the "Old" Church of Our Lady since 1907 when a new Church of Our Lady was built to the south of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/kob-amt_58-97_02.pdf|title=Roskilde Vor Frue Kirke|publisher=National Museet|access-date=15 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

There are two other historic churches in central Roskilde. [[St Ib's Church, Roskilde|St Ib's]] is located below the cathedral plateau near the harbour. Built in travertine around 1100, the Romanesque building was once richly decorated in frescos, remains of which can be seen on the rear wall. It is no longer a functioning church.<ref name=natmus>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/kob-amt_47-57_02.pdf|title=Roskilde S. Ibs Kirke|publisher=National Museet|access-date=17 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/skt-ibs-kirke-i-roskilde/images/newest/1/img-1186-jpg|title=Skt. Ibs Kirke i Roskilde|publisher=Kulturarv|access-date=17 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> [[St Jørgensbjerg Church]] stands on a little hill to the northwest of the old town, overlooking the fjord. With a nave and chancel in travertine dating from c. 1080, it is Denmark's oldest preserved stone building. It features a carved pulpit from 1616.<ref name=nk>{{cite web|url=http://www.nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Sankt_Joergensbjerg_kirke/sankt_joergensbjerg_kirke.htm|title=Roskilde Sankt Jørgensbjerg kirke|publisher=Nordens Kirker|access-date=18 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=31 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131091524/http://nordenskirker.dk/Tidligere/Sankt_Joergensbjerg_kirke/sankt_joergensbjerg_kirke.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/sct-jorgensbjerg-church-gdk619570|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218103603/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/sct-jorgensbjerg-church-gdk619570|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 December 2014|title=Sct. Jørgensbjerg Church|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=18 December 2014 }}</ref>
The [[Sankt Laurentii Church Tower]] is all that remains of the Romanesque Sankt Laurentii Church, built of travertine in the 13th century. It was torn down after the [[Danish Reformation|Reformation]] leaving only the tower which was built at the beginning of the 16th century and now forms part of the former town hall on Stændertorvet.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Arkitektur/Danske_kirker_S-S%C3%A5/Sankt_Laurentii_Kirke|title=Sankt Laurentii Kirke – Roskilde|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=22 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> It contains a museum where archaeological finds from 1998 can be seen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/skt-laurentius-st-lawrence-church-gdk619480|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141222203022/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/skt-laurentius-st-lawrence-church-gdk619480|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 December 2014|title=Skt. Laurentius (St. Lawrence) Church|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=22 December 2014 }}</ref>

===Roskilde Jars===

The three huge [[Roskilde Jars]] (''Roskildekrukkerne'') stand in a shallow water basin on the square outside the main railway station. They are {{convert|5|m|abbr=on}} in height and together weigh about 24 tons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/the-roskilde-jars-gdk619558|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109023820/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/the-roskilde-jars-gdk619558|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 January 2015|title=The Roskilde Jars|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=11 January 2015 }}</ref> 
The jars are the work of the Danish abstract sculptor [[Peter Brandes]] (born 1944). They were commissioned by Elsebeth Stryhn of Stryhns Leverpostej, a local meat paste company, and presented to the city in 1998 on the occasion of Roskilde's 1,000th anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kunstiroskilde.dk/show_group_item.asp?Katid=1&SubId=3&ItemId=53|title=Vandskulpturer Roskildekrukkerne |publisher=Kunst i Roskilde|access-date=11 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

=== Roskilde Festival ===

[[File:Roskilde Festival - Orange Stage - Bruce Springsteen.jpg|thumb|Roskilde Festival (2012)]]
{{Main|Roskilde Festival}}
Since it was first held in 1971, the [[Roskilde Festival]], a [[Rock and roll|rock music]] festival, has been held annually on the fairgrounds south of the city centre. It has grown to become one of the biggest music festivals in Scandinavia, with a turnout of around 80,000 every year.{{Sfn|Wiberg|2004|p=285}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/roskilde-festival-gdk619631|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150112023144/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/danmark/roskilde-festival-gdk619631|url-status=usurped|archive-date=12 January 2015|title=Roskilde Festival|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=8 January 2015 }}</ref> It features a diverse selection of music, including rock, metal, hip-hop, electronica, dance, and world music. All profits from the festival are donated to charities. The fairgrounds are also the site of regionally popular agricultural and animal exhibitions, and large flea markets.<ref name="fest">{{cite web | url = http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/object.php?obj=6e5000c&code=1 | title = Roskilde Festival | access-date = 19 February 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060207094109/http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/object.php?obj=6e5000c&code=1 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 7 February 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kultunaut.dk/perl/sted/type-nynaut/nr-151040|title=Dyrskuepladsen i Roskilde|publisher=KultuNaut.dk|access-date=8 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

==Education and sport==
[[File:Roskilde University.png|thumb|Roskilde University]]
[[Roskilde University]] (Danish: ''Roskilde Universitet, RUC'') was founded in 1972. The university is on the eastern outskirts of Roskilde, in the [[Trekroner]] district (named after a signalman's cabin on the Roskilde-Copenhagen line). RUC hosts students from around the world. Roskilde University has on-campus dormitory style housing and apartments but many students commute from Copenhagen. In 2013, there were about 7,600 students, 630 teaching staff and 380 technical and administrative personnel. Designed by Preben Hansen (1908–1989), the university buildings were first brought into use in 1972.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Erhverv,_karriere_og_ledelse/P%C3%A6dagogik_og_uddannelse/Danske_universiteter/Roskilde_Universitet|title=Roskilde Universitet|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=19 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>

Founded around 1020 to educate priests for the cathedral, [[Roskilde Cathedral School]] is possibly the oldest school in Denmark. Initially located close to the cathedral, it moved into larger premises in 1969 to accommodate an increasing number of pupils (currently over 1,300).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildekatedralskole.dk/om-rks/skolens-historie|title=Skolens historie|publisher=Roskilde Katedralskole|access-date=7 January 2015|language=da|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107222025/http://www.roskildekatedralskole.dk/om-rks/skolens-historie|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Danish Meat Trade College]] (''Slagteriskolen''), founded in 1964, is a non-profit institution offering vocational training courses in industrial slaughter, retail butchering, sausage making, nutrition and the meat service sector. Training is also offered to kitchen staff, waiters, cooks and bakers. The school employs about 150 teachers and supporting staff. Courses are also available for international students. There is a hostel with accommodation for some 200 students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucr.dk/_VocationalTraining|title=Vocational Training of the Food and Service Industry|publisher=Slagteriskolen|access-date=7 January 2015|archive-date=7 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107222154/http://www.ucr.dk/_VocationalTraining|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Natur_og_milj%C3%B8/Landbrug_og_havebrug/Landbrugs-_og_gartneruddannelser/Slagteriskolen|title=Slagteriskolen|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=7 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

[[File:Roskilde hala widsport mpazdziora.jpg|thumb|Roskilde Congress & Sports Centre]]
There are eleven public primary schools in the municipality split up between eleven school districts. Six [[Gymnasium (Denmark)|gymnasiums]] (including Roskilde Cathedral School and [[Roskilde Gymnasium]]) offer Upper Secondary School Exit Examinations, [[Higher Commercial Examination Programme|Higher Preparatory Examinations]], [[Higher Commercial Examination Programme]] and [[Higher Technical Examination Programme]]. There are many adult education, technical and trade schools in addition to the gymnasiums. Roskilde University Library (RUB) is a research library serving the students and staff at the university.{{Sfn|D'Atri|Marco|Braccini|2010|p=6}}

On the sports front, Roskilde is home to the [[FC Roskilde]] football club which play in the [[Danish 1st Division]], the country's second highest league. Their home stadium is Roskilde Idrætspark with a capacity of 6,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fc-roskilde.dk/om-fcr|title=Overbygningen FC Roskilde|publisher=FC Roskilde|access-date=9 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref> The city's rugby club, [[Roskilde Vikings RK]], forms part of the Vor Frue Idrætsforening which also has facilities for badminton, soccer and gymnastics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vorfrueif.dk/index.php|title=Velkommen|publisher=Vor Frue Idrtsforening|access-date=9 November 2015 |language=da}}</ref> Members of the rowing club, [[Roskilde Roklub]], have distinguished themselves at the [[Olympic Games]] and other recent championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roskilde.lokalavisen.dk/120-aar-og-i-topform/20110121/artikler/701219866|title=120 år og i topform|publisher=Roskilde Avis|date=21 January 2011|access-date=9 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref> The [[Roskilde Congress & Sports Centre]] provides facilities for sporting events accommodating up to 3,500 spectators. It is home to the Roskilde Handball Club.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Erhverv,_karriere_og_ledelse/Erhvervsliv/Messer_og_kongresser/Roskilde_kongres-_og_idr%C3%A6tscenter|title=Roskilde Kongres- & Idrætscenter|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=9 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

In 1955 a motor racing circuit called the Roskilde Ring was built in an abandoned gravel quarry.<ref name="Leisemeijer">{{cite web |last1=Leisemeijer |first1=Herman |title=Roskilde Ring - the history of a most peculiar raceway |url=https://www.circuitsofthepast.com/roskilde-ring/ |website=www.circuitsofthepast.com |access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> The circuit was just 670 metres in length, being extended to 1.38&nbsp;km in 1957. The circuit had no straight and all of the corners were banked. The Danish Grand Prix for Formula Two cars was held at the circuit every year from 1960 to 1968. The last meeting was held on the 22nd of September 1968, and the site is now a park.<ref name="Leisemeijer" />

== Transport ==
[[File:Roskilde station 1849.jpg|thumb|Roskilde railway station from the Horse Market (Hestetorvet) 1849]]
[[File:Roskildestation.jpg|thumb|The station as it looks today]]
Roskilde is served by the [[Roskilde railway station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dsb.dk/kundeservice/stationer/roskilde/|title=Roskilde Station|publisher=DSB|language=da|access-date=20 March 2024|website=dsb.dk}}</ref> Its four platforms and seven tracks serve as a central hub connecting western and southern Zealand, the islands of Falster and Lolland, and Jutland to Copenhagen. Also within the municipality is the {{rws|Trekroner}} station, serving [[Roskilde University]] and the developing residential areas to the east of Roskilde. Roskilde Station is the oldest railway station in Denmark still in operation and the first to be built of stone. The first train arrived from Copenhagen on 26 June 1847.<ref name=arkark/>

The principal road running through Roskilde is [[Danish national road 21]], better known as Holbæk Motorway, which connects the city to the capital in the east.

The main airport for Roskilde is [[Copenhagen Airport]] which can be reached in about 40 minutes by train.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/train-and-bus-information-roskilde-and-lejre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111073039/http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-lejre/train-and-bus-information-roskilde-and-lejre|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 January 2014|title=Train and bus information in Roskilde|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=14 January 2015 }}</ref> Since April 1973,<ref name=aw>{{cite news|title=Roskilde Airport|publisher=Airportsworldwide.com|url=http://www.airports-worldwide.com/denmark/roskilde_denmark.html|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref> there has also been the small local [[Roskilde Airport]], serving light aircraft for training, taxi, and flight instruction. There are plans to expand it for use by larger aircraft,<ref name=aw/> possibly including discount international flights. The plans were approved, but lack of commitment from any carriers has postponed progress. The airport currently handles up to 100,000 operations (flights) per year, most of which are light aircraft operations associated with school flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airports-worldwide.com/denmark/roskilde_denmark.html|title=Roskilde Airport|publisher=Airportsworldwide.com|access-date=9 January 2015 }}</ref>
The airport is also home to a small [[Royal Danish Air Force]] detachment, maintaining a helicopter based search-and-rescue service covering Zealand and the [[Baltic Sea]]. Military passenger services have occasionally used the airport. However, there are now plans to close the military facilities in 2017 or 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sn.dk/Roskilde/Flyvestation-Skalstrup-kan-vaere-lukket-inden-2018/artikel/378361|title=Flyvestation Skalstrup kan være lukket inden 2018|author=Lars Kimer|publisher=SN.dk|date=27 December 2013|access-date=9 January 2015 |language=da}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
The principal hospital in Roskilde is [[Roskilde Sygehus]], founded in 1855.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soap.plansystem.dk/pdfarchive/20_1115228_PROPOSAL_1243435101332.pdf|title=Roskildge Sygehus|publisher=Roskilde Kommune|access-date=14 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref> It currently has 437 beds for in-patients and several specialist wards, having been continuously modernized and expanded over the years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regionsjaelland.dk/sundhed/geo/roskildesygehus/Om-sygehuset/om-sygehuset/Sider/Fakta.aspx|title=Fakta: Her kan du finde fakta om Roskilde Sygehus|publisher=Roskilde Sygehus|access-date=14 December 2014|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085819/http://www.regionsjaelland.dk/sundhed/geo/roskildesygehus/Om-sygehuset/om-sygehuset/Sider/Fakta.aspx|archive-date=24 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Recently physics facilities have been established in medical and hematological outpatient units, while in 2010 the cardiology laboratory was expanded  for [[coronary angiography|CAG]]/[[Percutaneous coronary intervention|PCI]]. In addition, in 2011 a haematological and a urological ward were modernized and re-equipped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.regionsjaelland.dk/dagsordener/dagsordener2012/documents/1543/1877312.pdf|title=Side 1 Sygehusprofiler 2012–2020|publisher=Region Sjælland|date=3 July 2012|access-date=14 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085719/http://www.regionsjaelland.dk/dagsordener/dagsordener2012/documents/1543/1877312.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The hospital works in conjunction with Roskilde University in biomedical research, health services research, research assignments, direct research and pharmaceutical biology. It is also involved in a scientific co-operation with the Risø Research Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sygehus.org/roskilde-sygehus|title=Roskilde Sygehus|publisher=Roskilde Sygehus|access-date=14 December 2014|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217070719/http://www.sygehus.org/roskilde-sygehus|archive-date=17 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[Sankt Hans Hospital]] is a psychiatric hospital located in Roskilde but operated by the [[Capital Region of Denmark]]. With a history beginning in 1620, the hospital now has 180 beds and offers specialized treatment in the areas of [[forensic psychiatry]] and [[dual diagnosis]].<ref name=dsd>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Krop,_psyke_og_sundhed/Sundhedsvidenskab/Sygehuse/Sankt_Hans_Hospital|title=Sankt Hans Hospital|encyclopedia=Den Store Danske|access-date=22 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psykiatri-regionh.dk/menu/Centre/Psykiatriske+centre/Psykiatrisk+Center+Sct.+Hans/In+English/|title=Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans|publisher=Psykiatri Region H|access-date=22 December 2014 }}</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Peter Frederik Suhm Heering.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Peter Heering]]

=== Business ===
* [[Peter Heering]] (1792–1875), founder of [[Peter Heering]], a liqueur flavored with cherries
* [[Arnold Busck]] (1871–1953), bookseller and publisher, founder of [[Arnold Busck A/S]]
* [[Jørgen Kastholm]] (1931–2007) furniture designer and academic
* [[Winnie Liljeborg]], (born ca.1960) co-founder of [[Pandora (jewelry)|Pandora AS]], lives on Strandvejen
* [[Morten Lund (investor)|Morten Lund]] (born 1972) entrepreneur

=== Culture ===
[[File:Otto-bache-porträt-der-malerin-sofie-holten-(1858-1930).jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Sofie Holten]]
[[File:Lise Nørgaard.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Lise Nørgaard, 2010]]
[[File:Natasha Thomas2.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Natasha Thomas, 2009]]
* [[Peder Syv]] (1631–1702) [[philologist]], folklorist and priest
* [[Brix Michgell]] (17th century) carpenter and wood carver of pulpits and altarpieces
* [[Anders Nielsen Hatt]] (17th century), created carved pulpits and altarpieces<ref name=weilbach>{{cite web|url=https://www.kulturarv.dk/kid/VisWeilbach.do?kunstnerId=9620&wsektion=alle|title=Nielsen Hatt, Anders|publisher=Kunstindeks Danmark & Weilbachs Kunstnerleksikon|access-date=18 December 2014 |language=da}}</ref>
* [[Ejler Andreas Jorgensen]] (1838–1876), a Danish-American landscape and portrait painter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.askart.com/askart/artist.aspx?artist=103721|title=Ejler Andreas Jorgensen|publisher=Ask/art|access-date=11 December 2014}}</ref>
* [[Carl Rohl-Smith]] (1848–1900) Danish-American sculptor of life-size and small bronzes
* [[Golla Hammerich]] (1854–1903), pianist
* [[L. A. Ring]] (1854–1933), painter, lived at Sankt Jørgensbjerg from 1923<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sn.dk/Roskilde/Stifter-forening-for-at-koebe-L-A-Rings-atelier/artikel/412736|title=Stifter forening for at købe L. A. Rings atelier|publisher=sn.dk|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Clara Schønfeld]] (1856–1938), a Danish stage and film actress<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danskefilm.dk/index2.html|title=Den danske film database|access-date=6 May 2015|language=da}}</ref><ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0778274/  IMDb Database] retrieved 21 June 2020</ref>
* [[Sophie Holten]] (1858–1930) a Danish painter of portraits, flower paintings and genre works
* [[Pauline Thomsen]] (1858–1931), painter and art teacher<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kvinfo.dk/side/170/bio/1225/query/Pauline%20Thomsen/-title=Pauline/doed|title=Thomsen, Pauline|publisher=Dansk kvindebiografisk leksikon|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Gustav Wied]] (1858–1914 in Roskilde), writer and satirical critic of society<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kulturarv.dk/1001fortaellinger/da_DK/kastellet-i-roskilde-1/stories/gustav-wieds-hus-i-roskilde|title=Gustav Wieds hus i Roskilde|publisher=Kulturstyrelsen|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Hans Knudsen (painter)|Hans Knudsen]] (1865–1947) artist, landscape paintings
* [[Sofie Madsen]] (1897–1982), educator of autistic children
* [[Aksel Schiøtz]] (1906–1975), a Danish tenor and later baritone; lieder singer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musikhistorie.dk/sider/arkiv/artikler/schiotz.html|title=Aksel Schiøtz og Roskilde|publisher=Schubert Selskabet|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da|archive-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526002253/http://musikhistorie.dk/sider/arkiv/artikler/schiotz.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Jørgen Beck]] (1914–1991) a Danish film actor<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0065192/  IMDb Database] retrieved 21 June 2020</ref>
* [[Lise Nørgaard]] (1917–2023), a writer of humorous portrayals of Danish cultural life<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitroskilde.dk/roskilde/oplev-lise-noergaards-roskilde|title=Oplev Lise Nørgaards Roskilde|publisher=Visit Roskilde|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Willy Rathnov]] (1937–1999) a Danish film actor<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711750/  IMDb Database] retrieved 21 June 2020</ref>
* [[John Olsen (Danish artist)|John Olsen]], (born 1938) sculptor, illustrator and painter
* [[Jørgen Boberg]] (1940–2009), a self-taught [[Surrealist]] Danish painter and illustrator<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b.dk/kultur/joergen-boberg-er-doed|title=Jørgen Boberg er død|newspaper=Berlingske|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Ib Michael]] (born 1945), a Danish novelist and poet of [[magic realism]] style<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.litteratursiden.dk/forfattere/ib-michael|title=Ib Michael|publisher=Literatursiden.dk|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Else Torp]] (born 1950) a Danish soprano
* [[Thomas Boberg]] (born 1960) a Danish poet and travel writer
* [[Ole Christian Madsen]] (born 1966), film-maker, director<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0535234/  IMDb Database] retrieved 21 June 2020</ref>
* [[Thure Lindhardt]] (born 1974), actor, grew up in Roskilde<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b.dk/personlig-udvikling/man-skal-thure-noget|title=Man skal Thure noget|newspaper=Berlingske|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref><ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0511892/  IMDb Database] retrieved 21 June 2020</ref>
* [[Clemens (rapper)|Clemens]] Legolas Telling (born 1979) rapper, singer, music writer, actor
* [[Simon Sears]] (born 1984), actor, raised in Solrød Strand<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3525868/  IMDb Database] retrieved 19 June 2020</ref>
* [[Natasha Thomas (singer)|Natasha Thomas]] (born 1986) a Danish pop singer-songwriter
* [[Freja Beha]] Erichsen (born 1987) a Danish model, ''"Queen of Cool"'' with an [[androgynous]] look

=== Politics ===
[[File:Knut Lavard.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Knut Lavard]]
* [[Canute Lavard]] (1096–1131) Prince and first [[Duke of Schleswig]] 
* [[Absalon]] (1128–1291), Bishop of Roskilde from 1158 to 1192<ref>{{cite web|url=http://danmarkshistorien.dk/leksikon-og-kilder/vis/materiale/absalon-ca-1128-1201/|title=Absalon (c. 1128–1201)|publisher=danmarkshistorien.dk|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Carl Christian Vilhelm Liebe]] (1820–1900) politician, speaker of [[Landstinget (Denmark)|Landstinget]]
* [[Louis Pio]] (1841–1894), a co-founder of the organized worker's movement in Denmark<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Dansk_Biografisk_Leksikon/Samfund,_jura_og_politik/Ideologi_og_livsanskuelse/Organisator/Louis_Pio|title=Louis Pio|publisher=Gyldendal|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Carl Theodor Zahle]] (1866–1946), 5th Danish Prime Minister and co-founder of the [[Danish Social Liberal Party]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://befaestningen.thm-online.dk/temaer/tema3/befaestningensblaabog/carltheodorzahle/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141212060105/http://befaestningen.thm-online.dk/temaer/tema3/befaestningensblaabog/carltheodorzahle/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 December 2014|title=Carl Theodor Zahle, konseilspræsident|publisher=Københavns Befæstning|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Slimane Hadj Abderrahmane]] (1973–2013) Danish citizen held in [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp|Guantanamo Bay]]
* [[Michael Aastrup Jensen]] (born 1976) politician
* [[Zenia Stampe]] (born 1979) politician, elected to the ''Folketinget'' in 2011
* [[Joy Mogensen]] (born 1980) a Danish politician, Mayor of Roskilde Municipality 2011 to 2019, Minister of Culture and Church since 2019

=== Sport ===
[[File:Jan Magnussen cropped.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Jan Magnussen, 2010]]
[[File:2019 Formula One tests Barcelona, Magnussen (32309895977).jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Kevin Magnussen, 2019]]
* [[Oskar Nørland]] (1882–1941) a Danish amateur footballer, played 14 games for [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] and won two team silver medals at the [[1908 Summer Olympics|1908]] and [[1912 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Tage Henriksen]] (1925–2016) rower, team gold medallist at the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] 
* [[Finn Pedersen]] (1925–2012) rower, team gold medallist at the [[1948 Summer Olympics|1948]] also competed at the [[1956 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Carl-Ebbe Andersen]] (1929–2009), rower, team gold medallist at the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] 
* Jens Winther (born 1938), racing driver 
* [[Reno Olsen]] (born 1947), racing cyclist, team gold medallist at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Thomas Ebert]] (born 1973), rower, team gold medallist at [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004]] and [[2008 Summer Olympics]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guldfireren.dk/biografi/roere/thomas-ebert.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619222845/http://www.guldfireren.dk/biografi/roere/thomas-ebert.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 June 2012|title=Thomas Ebert|publisher=Guldfireren|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Jan Magnussen]] (born 1973), racing driver and ex-[[F1]] driver<ref name=Magnussen>{{cite web|url=http://www.bt.dk/formel-1/kevin-magnussen-vil-altid-vinde-havde-ingen-venner-som-barn|title=Kevin Magnussen vil altid vinde: Havde ingen venner som barn|publisher=BT|access-date=12 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Rikke Olsen]] (born 1975) a retired badminton player, three time contender for Olympic bronze
* [[Peter Madsen (footballer)|Peter Madsen]] (born 1978) a retired footballer with 275 club caps and 13 for [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] 
* [[Jesper Christiansen (footballer, born 1978)|Jesper Christiansen]] (born 1978) retired football goalkeeper with 348 club caps and a coach 
* [[Carsten Mogensen]] (born 1983) badminton player, team silver medallist at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]
* [[David Ousted]] (born 1985) a Danish football goalkeeper with over 350 club caps
* [[Lasse Lindbjerg]] (born 1992) footballer and physiotherapist
* [[Kevin Magnussen]] (born 1992), racing driver currently competing in [[FIA World Endurance Championship|World Endurance Championship]] for [[BMW]]<ref name=Magnussen/>
* [[Dennis Lind]] (born 1993), racing driver
* [[Alba Hurup Larsen]] (born 2008), racing driver

=== Science ===
[[File:Rasmus Bartholin.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Rasmus Bartholin]]
* [[Rasmus Bartholin]] (1625–1698), scientist, physician, grammarian and astronomer<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Dansk_Biografisk_Leksikon/Naturvidenskab_og_teknik/Fysiker/Rasmus_Bartholin |title=Rasmus Bartholin|publisher=Gyldendal|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Hans Egede Saabye]] (1746–1817) priest, missionary to Greenland and botanist
* [[Jacob Kornerup]] (1825–1913), archeologist and painter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roskildemuseum.dk/dit-bes%C3%B8g/s%C3%A6rudstillinger/kornerups-billedverden.aspx|title=Kornerups billedverden – Roskilde. rejser og restaureringer|publisher=Roskilde Museum|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Ernst Østrup]] (1845–1917) [[botanist]], [[phycologist]], mainly working on [[diatoms]]
* [[Ejnar Hertzsprung]] (1873–1967 in Roskilde), chemist and astronomer<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/263944/Ejnar-Hertzsprung|title=Ejnar Hertzsprung|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=11 December 2014|language=da}}</ref>
* [[Hans Helbæk]] (1907–1981) a Danish archaeologist and [[palaeobotanist]]
* [[Ada Bruhn Hoffmeyer]] (1910–1991) a Danish museum curator, writer and medieval weapons expert

=== Crime ===
*[[Peter Lundin]] (born 1972), convicted  murderer

== See also ==
* [[Roskilde Festival]]
* [[Treaty of Roskilde]]
* [[Risø National Laboratory]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

;Bibliography

*{{cite book|last1=D'Atri|first1=Alessandro|last2=Marco|first2=Marco De|last3=Braccini|first3=Alessio Maria|title=Management of the Interconnected World: ItAIS: The Italian Association for Information Systems|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=izQxaHojbk0C&pg=PA6|date=27 July 2010|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-7908-2404-9}}
*{{cite book|last=Wiberg|first=Mikael|title=The Interaction Society: Practice, Theories and Supportive Technologies: Practice, Theories and Supportive Technologies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2hJcTkEJ0KIC&pg=PA285|date=31 October 2004|publisher=Idea Group Inc (IGI)|isbn=978-1-59140-532-0}} 
*{{cite book|last1=Porter|first1=Darwin|last2=Prince|first2=Danforth|title=Frommer's Denmark|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PC2CdFzlqf8C&pg=PA203|date=13 August 2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-50290-7}}

==External links==
*{{commons category-inline|Roskilde}}
*[https://wineroads.dk/vores-vine Wineroads.dk] græsk rødvine og hvidvine i Roskilde
*{{wikivoyage-inline|Roskilde}}

{{Roskilde}}
{{30 most populous cities of Denmark}}
{{50 most populous urban settlements of Scandinavia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Roskilde| ]]<!--empty space, per standard-->
[[Category:Municipal seats of Region Zealand]]
[[Category:Municipal seats of Denmark]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Region Zealand]]
[[Category:Viking Age populated places]]
[[Category:Former national capitals]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Roskilde Municipality]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 10th century]]