Greyfriar's Abbey
Graabrødre Kloster is a historical Franciscan monastery founded by King Erik Klipping in 1279. He donated his royal estate and its associated buildings to the Franciscan monks. This was a common practice at the time when kings and noblemen often supported religious institutions and monasteries.
During the Reformation in Denmark, which took place in 1536, the monastery was taken over by the crown, and its properties were confiscated. Christian III, the king at the time, issued a royal charter on October 27, 1539, stating that the monastery should be converted into a "common Hospital and Infirmary in Our Land of Funen." This meant that the monastery was transformed into a hospital and infirmary that served the community in the area for the next 250 years. It likely served as an important place for healthcare and treatment during its time.
Unfortunately, the monastery's church was neglected and fell into disrepair, and it was demolished in the early 19th century. Today, the hospital hall has been renovated and adapted for use as a church. It is not uncommon for former monasteries and religious buildings to be repurposed for various uses over the centuries, depending on the needs of society and changes in religious practices.
Instruments in the Monastery Church
The Monastery Church has an organ built by Marcussen & Søn in 1991. This organ is an impressive instrument with 17 voices distributed across 2 manuals and a pedal. The organ typically plays an important role in church services and liturgy. The church also houses a piano.