An important archaeological discovery shedding light on the history of the Danish capital has been made in Copenhagen. During excavations at a construction site on Gammel Kongevej, approximately 20 skeletons were unearthed, believed to belong to the medieval Skt. Jørgens Gård hospital, which served leprosy patients. This finding represents the first concrete evidence of the institution, which has been mentioned in historical documents for centuries but whose exact location had never been physically confirmed [1].
An Isolation Zone on the City's Edge
Due to the contagious nature of leprosy in medieval Denmark, such hospitals were typically constructed outside of residential areas. The Gammel Kongevej district, which is now very close to central Copenhagen, served as a peripheral isolation point at that time. Gunvor Christiansen, head of archaeology at the Museum of Copenhagen, stated that while they knew of the hospital's existence through written records, this is the first time they have reached physical evidence. She noted that the discovery offers a unique opportunity to understand the lives of medieval Copenhageners [2].
Future Research and Disease Analysis
The discovery of skeletons in overlapping layers indicates that the cemetery was actively used for a very long period. Archaeologists estimate that the boundaries of the graveyard extend beneath the current road and possibly to the opposite side. Modern urban development and office spaces in the area have preserved the traces of the ancient hospital underground for centuries [3]. In the coming period, detailed laboratory examinations will analyze the signs of disease on the skeletons, providing a clearer picture of the actual impact of leprosy on medieval society.
Sources and further reading
- [1] Guesthouse Gammel Kongevej Copenhagen, Denmark — book Hotel, 2026 Prices
- [2] Hotel Guesthouse Gammel Kongevej Copenhagen - new 2026 prices, reviews, book now
- [3] Guesthouse Gammel Kongevej Copenhagen | Denmark
Image & News Source: Medievalists / medievalists.net