Sønderby Kirke (church)

Sønderby Church – Historic Medieval Church near Assens

Sønderby Church is located in the small village of Sønderby, approximately 5 kilometres southeast of Assens on West Funen. This beautiful village church, with its pale yellow walls, white architectural details and black-glazed tiled roof, dates back to the 13th century. It is a fascinating place to visit if you are interested in history, architecture and historic Danish churches.

The church is particularly known for its well-preserved Renaissance furnishings, some of Denmark's oldest church pews and its close historical connection to Hagenskov Manor. Here, you can experience a church interior where medieval architecture meets Renaissance craftsmanship and centuries of local history.

A Medieval Church Dating Back to the 13th Century

Sønderby Church was originally built in the 13th century as a Romanesque stone church with a chancel and nave. The church was constructed using granite, a common building material for village churches on Funen during the Middle Ages.

During the Late Gothic period, the church was extended. The nave was lengthened towards the west, the chancel was extended eastwards, and a chapel was added on the south side, along with a tower to the west. The present church porch on the south side was not added until the 19th century.

Inside, the church is characterised by whitewashed walls and beautiful ribbed vaults, which replaced the original wooden ceiling during the Middle Ages.

Discover the Church's Historic Furnishings

Inside Sønderby Church, you will find several remarkable historical treasures. Much of the church's interior dates from the Renaissance and reflects its importance throughout the centuries.

• The Altarpiece: A beautifully carved Renaissance altarpiece dating from around 1600. It is decorated with columns and ornaments and features a painting of the Last Supper.
• The Pulpit: A pulpit dating from around 1600, featuring decorative carvings and reliefs of Christ.
• The Baptismal Font: An unusual Renaissance baptismal font designed to stand in a corner and decorated with arcades and columns.
• The Church Pews: Four pairs of pews dating from 1537, among the oldest surviving church pews in Denmark.
• Memorials: Historic gravestones from the 17th century and a beautifully decorated memorial plaque from 1670.

The Connection to Hagenskov Manor

Throughout its history, Sønderby Church has maintained close ties with the nearby Hagenskov Manor, formerly known as Frederiksgave. The manor's successive owners have contributed to the maintenance, extensions and decoration of the church over the centuries.

Several former owners of the manor and other prominent individuals were buried in the church. During an extensive restoration in 1957, a burial chamber was discovered beneath the church floor.

During the same restoration, the church's historic colours were recreated, and the old woodcarvings on the altarpiece, pulpit and baptismal font were carefully restored.

A Church with Dramatic Stories

Sønderby Church also holds dramatic stories from Danish history. During the Swedish Wars in the 17th century, the church was severely damaged by Swedish soldiers, who searched the graves beneath the church floor for valuables.

On 31 January 1658, the parish priest Dethloff Monrad was attacked during a church service after refusing to hand over the church's chalice and paten. He was wounded by a spear but survived the attack. Inside the church, you can still see a memorial dedicated to the priest, who served in Sønderby for 43 years.

The von Trapp Family Sang at Sønderby Church

One of the more unusual stories associated with Sønderby Church involves the famous Austrian von Trapp family, whose lives later inspired the musical and film "The Sound of Music".

On 26 May 1939, the singing family performed at a wedding in Sønderby Church. The family was staying on Funen and had connections to the family at Hagenskov Manor. This gives the small Danish village church a remarkable connection to one of the world's best-known musical stories.

Practical Information about Sønderby Church

• Address: Kirkebakken 19, Sønderby, 5631 Ebberup, Denmark
• Location: Sønderby, Assens Municipality, West Funen
• Built: Originally constructed in the 13th century
• Church Type: Romanesque village church with Gothic additions
• Website: Sønderby Parish

Sønderby Church is well worth a visit if you would like to explore the cultural heritage of West Funen and discover a medieval church with a fascinating past. Here, you can admire beautiful historic furnishings, learn about the history of the local manor and discover a surprising connection to the family behind "The Sound of Music".

If you would like to explore the church interior, we recommend checking the current opening and access arrangements before your visit.