Himmelev


Himmelev is a largely residential area in the city of Roskilde in Denmark. It contains primarily parcel houses, but one of the three high schools in Roskilde, Himmelev Gymnasium, is also located there.

History

Himmelev and Veddelev are named for two major land owners from the 7th century, Hemi og Withi. Himmelev was located in Sømme Herred and emerged as a parish some time during the 12th century. The residents were mainly farmers. The parish belonged to Roskilde Abbey. In 1731, the members of the parish obtained the right to elect their own priest. The first school opened in 1741 and was expanded in 1914. In 1906, Himmelev had a population of 600. Roskilde Folk High School opened in Himmelev in 1907. The land was redeveloped with single family detached homes in the 1960s and 1970s.

Landmarks

Himmelev Church dates from the 12th century. It consists of a Romanesque nave with a Late Gothic extension to the east, a Late Romanesque tower and a porch. The vaulted ceiling dates from the 14th century.
The old school from 1909 is located immediately to the west of the wall that surrounds the cemetery. The building was designed by H. C. Mayling. It was decommissioned as a school in 1980 and has now been converted into apartments. Himmelev Gymnasium was founded in 1978. In 1980, it moved from its original home on Allehelgensgade to its current premises on Herregårdsvej. Next to the school is a sports centre with six soccer pitches and indoor facilities for eight badminton courts and a court for handball, five-a-side football and other sports. Himmelevgård has been an equestrian centre since 1964.
The 150 room Comwell Roskilde conference hotel is also located in Himmerlev, overlooking Roskilde Fjord. Industry includes the corporate headquarters and a factory for Stryhns meat paste.

Surroundings

In 2003, it was decided to establish a new, state forest north of Roskilde, partly to protect ground water resources. In 2010 the first 141 ha of Himmerlev Forest had been planted by the Danish Nature Agency in collaboration with Københavns Energi and Roskilde Municipality. They had planted a total of 220,000 plants and established of walking trails and of riding trails.

Notable people