Næstved

Næstved is a town in Næstved Municipality, Denmark. As of 2004 it has around 40 000 inhabitants.

The UN/LOCODE is DKNVD.

The town of Næstved

Næstved is an important commercial center in the area, and has 38,319 (2004) inhabitants. The town has become known for the regiment of mounted Guardsmen (Gardehusarer) which have made Næstved their home for over 60 years, and have held weekly drills in the streets of the town. The Guardsmen moved their base to nearby Slagelse in 2003.

History

In 1135 Benedictine monks received Saint Peders Church and surrounding land in order to found Saint Peders Monastery. This is seen as the foundation of the town of Næstved, although the town appears to have existed already at that time, being both big and important to the region.

Today

The city has a handful of further education centers, 5 elementary schools and has at least one of each type of the four upper second level education centers. The city has as well one of (if not) the largest gymnasiums in Denmark, Næstved Gymnasium & HF. See Education in Denmark. The city has also five national churches: Saint Mortens Church from 1667, which is decorated with frescoes; Saint Peders Church, which is known for its Gothic chancel and its baroque furnishings; Saint Jørgens Church; Herlufsholm Church; and Holsted Church. There are also some free evangelical churches in the town, among others Sjølundkirken. .

File:Gavnø slot.jpg

Gavnø castle

Close to the town located on Gavnø island this castle is known for its tulips in spring and a large collection of paintings.