Monestery of the Holy Ghost by Peter_DK
The Aalborg Monestary is the oldest social institution still active in Denmark. Originally founded in 1431 by Maren Hemmings and gained its status as Monastery of the Holy Ghost in 1451. The prior of the monestery in Aalborg gained status as acting Attorney of the Grand Master of The Order of The Holy Ghost in Rome to all of Scandinavia, thus displaying the importance of the monestery in its glory days. Large land possesions in Northen Jutland outside of Aalborg eventually came in the possession of the monestery.After The Reformation in 1536, the monastery served for many years as a hospital, and the "Latin School" of Aalborg has its premises here for nearly 300 years till the mid 19th Century. Also, parts of the monestary buildings housed the town library.
Historical interior with chalk frescoes painted around 1500 AD.
The monastery is one of the biggest and best preserved in Denmark. The original church is the only part which does not exist any longer.
In 1940, during WWII, The Churchill Club, the first serious Danish Resistance group founded by Aalborg students and youngsters, was based here until most of its members were caught by The Gestapo.
Nowadays, the monestary is the residence of approximately 40 senior citizens.
There is no public access to the interior of the monestary, but you can walk through the passage from C.W. Obels Square (Monestery Square) into the courtyard, where you can get a good impression of the buildings. Also, there is a fountain in the center of the courtyard.
In the summertime, guided tours inside the monestary are organised in several languages by Aalborg Tourist Information Agency on Østeraagade. You should make inquiries there as to when the next tour is taking place.
Please check-out the additional pictures