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Historic centre · Helsingør, Região da Capital
Centro histórico de Helsingør e Karmeliterklostret
The streets of houses from the 16th to the 18th centuries between the station and Kronborg, featuring the medieval Carmelite convent, the Church of Santa Maria where Buxtehude was organist, and the cathedral of Saint Olav.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro histórico de Helsingør e Karmeliterklostret
Helsingør grew thanks to the Øresund toll: merchants, consuls and sailors from all over Europe lived in the town, and the centre preserves low, colourful houses from the 16th to the 18th centuries along Stengade, Stjernegade and Strandgade. Many inner courtyards and half-timbered façades have survived.
The Karmeliterklostret, the Carmelite convent, was founded in the 15th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval convents in Scandinavia, with its brick cloister intact. Next door, the Sankt Mariæ Kirke, the convent church, has late medieval ceiling paintings and a historic organ; the composer Dieterich Buxtehude was organist there from 1660 to 1668 before moving on to Lübeck.
The cathedral of Saint Olav (Sankt Olai Domkirke), with origins in the 13th century, is the seat of the Diocese of Helsingør and has a carved Baroque altar. Near the harbor, Axeltorv square and the town centre streets concentrate cafés, bakeries and shops, a 15-minute walk from Kronborg.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours on foot, including the cloister and visits to the two churches.
Best time
Around midday, when the churches are usually open; check the convent's visiting hours as they can vary. In summer the cafés on Stengade are livelier.
How to get there
Start beside Helsingør station: Stengade leaves the station square and reaches the convent in about 5 minutes.
Tip
Follow the route: station, Stengade, convent, cathedral and harbor, finishing at Kronborg. The inner courtyards of some Stengade houses can be seen through open passages.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro histórico de Helsingør e Karmeliterklostret
What is the Karmeliterklostret?
A 15th-century Carmelite convent, with a preserved brick cloister. The church next to it, Sankt Mariæ Kirke, has medieval paintings on the ceiling.
Who was Buxtehude?
A 17th-century composer and organist who played at Sankt Mariæ Kirke from 1660 to 1668. He then went to Lübeck, where the young Bach visited him.
Is the center far from Kronborg?
No, about a 15-minute walk, passing the harbour and the maritime museum.