Gavnø
Encyclopedia
Gavnø is a small Danish
island off the west coast of Zealand in Næstved Municipality
. Located some 6 km south-west of Næstved, it has an area of 5.6 km2, and, as of 1 January 2010, it has a population of 57. Gavnø is now associated mainly with Gavnø Castle, an impressive Rococo building with an attractive park.
's census book from 1231 where a "house on Gavnø" is mentioned. The house was apparently a castle built to defend Denmark's western coasts. In the 15th century, Queen Margaret I
opened St Agnes' Priory
there, catering for nuns from aristocratic families. The chapel can still be seen in the castle's southern wing although it has since been extended.
In 1737, Count Otto Thott
acquired Gavnø. He renovated and substantially extended the castle, creating today's three-winged, yellow-facaded building in the Rococo style where he was able to house his large collections of paintings, manuscripts and books. At his death, his library collection contained over 120,000 volumes, exceeding that of the Danish National Library. The park surrounding the castle is known for its rare trees, rose garden and, above all, its extensive display of bulbs.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
island off the west coast of Zealand in Næstved Municipality
Næstved Municipality
Næstved is a municipality in Region Sjælland on the island of Zealand in the south of Denmark. The municipality includes the island of Gavnø. It covers an area of 681 km², and has a total population of 80,732 . Its mayor is Henning Jensen, a member of the Social Democrats political party...
. Located some 6 km south-west of Næstved, it has an area of 5.6 km2, and, as of 1 January 2010, it has a population of 57. Gavnø is now associated mainly with Gavnø Castle, an impressive Rococo building with an attractive park.
Gavnø Castle
The first historical mention of Gavnø is in King ValdemarValdemar II of Denmark
Valdemar II , called Valdemar the Victorious or Valdemar the Conqueror , was the King of Denmark from 1202 until his death in 1241. The nickname Sejr is a later invention and was not used during the King's own lifetime...
's census book from 1231 where a "house on Gavnø" is mentioned. The house was apparently a castle built to defend Denmark's western coasts. In the 15th century, Queen Margaret I
Margaret I of Denmark
Margaret I was Queen of Denmark, Norway and Sweden and founder of the Kalmar Union, which united the Scandinavian countries for over a century. Although she acted as queen regnant, the laws of contemporary Danish succession denied her formal queenship. Her title in Denmark was derived from her...
opened St Agnes' Priory
St. Agnes' Priory, Gavnø
St. Agnes Priory was established by Queen Margaret I for a community of Dominican nuns at Gavnø Island. After the Danish Reformation the priory was transformed into a manor estate known as Gavnø Castle located near Næstved, Denmark.-As a fortress:...
there, catering for nuns from aristocratic families. The chapel can still be seen in the castle's southern wing although it has since been extended.
In 1737, Count Otto Thott
Otto Thott
Otto Thott , was a Danish Count, minister of state, bibliophile, and collector of books. He was one of the greatest private book collectors of his time in Denmark.- Early life and education:...
acquired Gavnø. He renovated and substantially extended the castle, creating today's three-winged, yellow-facaded building in the Rococo style where he was able to house his large collections of paintings, manuscripts and books. At his death, his library collection contained over 120,000 volumes, exceeding that of the Danish National Library. The park surrounding the castle is known for its rare trees, rose garden and, above all, its extensive display of bulbs.
See also
- List of islands of Denmark
- St. Agnes' Priory, GavnøSt. Agnes' Priory, GavnøSt. Agnes Priory was established by Queen Margaret I for a community of Dominican nuns at Gavnø Island. After the Danish Reformation the priory was transformed into a manor estate known as Gavnø Castle located near Næstved, Denmark.-As a fortress:...
- Næstved
- Otto ThottOtto ThottOtto Thott , was a Danish Count, minister of state, bibliophile, and collector of books. He was one of the greatest private book collectors of his time in Denmark.- Early life and education:...