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Historic centre · Ribe, Dinamarca do Sul
Centro antigo de Ribe e o vigia noturno
The cobbled streets and half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries around the cathedral and the river, with the old port and the flood column. In summer, the night watchman makes his rounds singing old verses.
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 antigo de Ribe e o vigia noturno
Ribe's centre is one of the best-preserved urban ensembles in Denmark. Around the cathedral and Torvet square, streets such as Puggaardsgade, Sønderportsgade, Fiskergade and Præstegade have half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, many leaning because of the peat ground, with low doors, small windows and gardens at the back.
At the old port on the banks of the Ribe river sits the sailing ship Johanne Dan, a replica of a traditional cargo vessel, and the flood column, which marks how high the water rose in floods since 1634. Near the cathedral, the Bishop's House and the old Latin school recall the time when Ribe was a bishopric seat. The Ribe Art Museum (Ribe Kunstmuseum), in a town house by the river, holds Danish painting from the 19th and 20th centuries.
In summer evenings the night watchman (vægteren), with lantern and halberd, walks the streets from the cathedral square, singing the verses that watchmen used to chant to announce the hours and telling stories of the town. The walk is open to anyone who wants to join.
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
1 to 2 hours on foot; add about 45 minutes for the night watchman's round.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the tour groups have left. The night watchman's rounds usually take place in the evenings from May to September, starting from the cathedral square; check days and times.
How to get there
Starts at Torvet square, next to the cathedral, a 5-minute walk from the station.
Tip
Spend a night in Ribe to join the watchman and see the empty streets. Also walk along the riverbank to the old port.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro antigo de Ribe e o vigia noturno
What is the night watchman's round?
A walking tour at night, in summer, in which the watchman, with lantern and halberd, sings old verses and tells stories of the town. It departs from the cathedral square.
Why are the houses in Ribe crooked?
Many were built on peat ground, which settled over time.
What is the flood column?
A post in the old harbour that marks the heights of the great floods, since that of 1634.