Sorø
Sorø (Danish pronunciation: [ˈsoːˌʁœˀ]) is a town in Sorø municipality on the island of Zealand in east Denmark with a population of 8,271 (2023). It lies on the northeastern shore of Sorø Lake. The municipal council and the regional council are located in Sorø.
Sorø | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Sorø Academy | |
|
Coat of arms | |
| Motto: "Skolebyen Sorø" | |
Sorø Sorø | |
| Coordinates: 55°26′N 11°34′E | |
| Country | Denmark |
| Region | Region Zealand |
| Municipality | Sorø Municipality |
| Founded | 1100s |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gert Jørgensen |
| Area | |
| • Urban | 5.6 km2 (2.2 sq mi) |
| Population (2023) | |
| • Urban | 8,271 |
| • Urban density | 1,500/km2 (3,800/sq mi) |
| • Gender | 3,937 males and 4,334 females |
| Demonym | Soraner |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | DK-4180 Sorø |
| Website | soroe |
The town was founded in the 12th century by Bishop Absalon, as a Cistercian Abbey. The site also contained Sorø Klosterkirke, the church where Bishop Absalon and Margaret I of Denmark were buried (she was later moved to Roskilde Domkirke). In the 16th century, the Abbey was converted into a school, which became Sorø Academy. Despite the construction of a rail line through the town in the mid-19th century, the academy remained the core of the settlement, and Sorø has limited industry. Today, Sorø is a commuter town, as much of its population works in either greater Copenhagen or Roskilde.
Sorø has a number of museums, including Sorø Museum, Sorø Art Museum, and the Hauch Collection at Sorø Academy. In addition, there are many historical buildings in the town; the Abbey gate dates to the 1160s.