The Widows' House

The Widows House, 1997. Photo: Jørgen Elmelund

On August 6 1779 the foundation-stone for "The Widows' House" was laid. It would be natural to assume that "The Widows' House" was populated by women who had been widowed, but this was not the case.
"The Widows' House" was a social institution for all single women, who for various reasons had need of a secure social relationship. There have been up to 100 women living in "The Widows' House", not all of these belonging to the church.
"The Widows' House" was also a sort of home for the elderly, providing a strong social network in keeping with the spirit and culture of the Moravian church.
The "Choir Houses" had large attractive gardens with summerhouses which could be used by the houses' occupants.
Today "The Widows' House" is mainly occupied by the elderly, whilst vacant flats are also rented out to young families, and there still exists a strong sense of community within the house.
The west wing houses the Moravian museum with its large collection illustrating the church's history, both within the town and out undertaking missionary work.

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