Sortebrødre Torv (Blackfriars Square)

Sortebrødre Torv (Blackfriars Square)

Sortebrødre Torv 2

5000 Odense C

Photo: Johan Joensen

The market square

Photo: Johan Joensen

Spiral sculpture

The start in the 13th century

Sortebrødre Torv dates back to 1238, when Dominican monks, immigrants from the south, began to build Sortebrødre Kloster and Sortebrødre Klosterkirke. The monastery passed to the King with the Reformation in 1536, after which it slowly began to decay. Bricks, wood and other building materials were removed and used for new houses in the area, among them The Old Inn (opened in 1938). The last remains disappeared around the 1600s. Today, the outline of the monastery is visible in the square itself, marked with "brass buttons".

Odense's first theatre

In 1795 the province's first theatre, Odense Comediehus, was built on Sortebrødre Torv. Here H.C. Andersen first fell in love with the theatre. He made his debut on the stage in 1812, appearing as an extra in a play.
The theatre was replaced in 1914 by the new building in Jernbanegade. It then served as a hostel until a fire in the 1930s.

The markets

Since the city's foundation, Odense has been a trading centre with daily trade, and the marketplace in Odense was still one of the largest and liveliest in the country at the end of the 19th century. 

The city markets filled several squares, like Albani Torv, Flakhaven and Klingenberg. These are all locations you can visit today. Here the merchants' wares were displayed or laid out in long rows on the cobblestones. Around 1900 local merchants offered almost everything your heart could desire. There were living and slaughtered chickens and pigeons, crates and baskets, vats and buckets, berries, vegetables, flowers and eggs and dairy products such as smoked cheese and butter. Anyone with something to sell was on hand, whether with brooms, brushes, clogs, mats or puppies.

From the 1940s, the market trade declined, and in 1952, due to traffic, the markets consolidated in Sortebrødre Torv.

Hotels nearby of Sortebrødre Torv (Blackfriars Square)

  • Hotel Knudsens Gaard

    1.95 km

    Hotel Knudsens Gaard in Odense emphasizes personal service, high quality and a peaceful atmosphere. The uncontested attention is on the guests, who must be able to enjoy a relaxed stay in green surroundings. The hotel rooms have a homely feel and the restaurant delivers fantastic culinary experiences.

    Read more : Hotel Knudsens Gaard
  • Frederik VI's Hotel

    8.87 km

    Since 1882 guests have enjoyed being pampered at Frederik VI's Hotel. Set amongst the beautiful Funen countryside in it’s own park with a system of forest paths and jogging trails right outside the door and only 10 km from Odense City centre, the hotel boasts tastefully furnished rooms and a highly regarded restaurant.
    Read more : Frederik VI's Hotel
  • Munkebo Kro

    12.24 km

    Experience the cozy atmosphere at Munkebo Kro, located right by the water with a view over Kertinge Nor. Here, you can enjoy well-prepared dishes and explore the harbor town of Kerteminde and the capital of Funen, Odense.

    Read more : Munkebo Kro
  • Tornøes Hotel

    17.84 km

    Kerteminde, on the island of Funen, is the quintessence of rural idyll, featuring fishermen’s cottages and fine merchants’ farms. In the heart of Kerteminde, you will find Tornøes Hotel. The hotel is full of atmosphere, charm and good cheer, with lovely rooms, excellent food and a magnificent view.
    Read more : Tornøes Hotel
  • Brobyværk Kro

    20.56 km

    Brobyværk Kro is situated where the road between Odense and Faaborg crosses the stream Odense Aa. The idyllic inn with the river in the backyard has traditions for receiving guests. Naturally it has been modernised, but the spirit and the cosiness still preserve here, and the cuisine has a good reputation.

    Read more : Brobyværk Kro
  • Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference

    26.07 km

    Welcome to Fjelsted Skov Hotel and Conference - a unique refuge in the midst of nature. We offer an exclusive experience where tranquility and charm blend with modern comfort surrounded by the breathtaking Fjelsted Skov. The ideal place for both business travelers and holiday guests.

    Read more : Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference
  • Hotel Faaborg Fjord Spa Konference

    35.68 km

    If you wish for a weekend away or a mini break from daily stresses, then a stay at Hotel Faaborg Fjord is good for the soul. Here you find fresh air, light, life and play for young and the young at heart.

    Read more : Hotel Faaborg Fjord Spa Konference
  • Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel

    46.45 km

    Experience culinary magic at the restaurant Ryes, and combine your stay with the beautiful nature together with a lot of cultural experiences and activities when you stay at Hotel Fredericia.
    Read more : Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel
  • Hotel Vejlefjord

    50.85 km

    Due to the beautiful location near the fjord and in the beech forest, Hotel Vejlefjord is often referred to as “The castle in the forest ". The hotel spa and wellness facilities and the thermal baths are unique and compares favorably with the best in Northern Europe. Enjoy the 20 km forest tracks.

    Read more : Hotel Vejlefjord
  • Tyrstrup Kro

    58.55 km

    Tyrstrup Kro is idyllically situated in the middle of fields and woods a few kilometres from the gingerbread town Christiansfeld. It has been here for at least 350 years, but in recent years the old inn has undergone largescale restorations and has become an internationally known restaurant.
    Read more : Tyrstrup Kro