Ribe Katedralskole is a cathedral school (gymnasium) located in the town of Ribe, Denmark. It was first mentioned in historical records in 1145, making it one of the oldest schools in the world. The oldest building still in use, known as Puggård, dates from the fourteenth century. Apart from churches, it is the oldest Scandinavian building still used for its original purpose.
The school is an independent institution functioning as a modern Danish high school, offering the gymnasium (stx) and HF (Higher Preparatory Examination) programs. Its motto is the Latin phrase Litteris et artibus ("Literature and [the] Arts"). The school is affiliated with the Church of Denmark and is coeducational.
Location: Puggaardsgade 22, 6760, Ribe, Denmark.
Key facts:
- School type: Gymnasium (private high school)
- Established: c. 1145
- Denomination: Church of Denmark
- Rector: Kristian Bennike
- President: Bishop Elisabeth Dons Christensen
Notable alumni include botanist Eugenius Warming, mathematician Jørgen Pedersen Gram, journalist and photojournalism pioneer Jacob A. Riis, politician Holger K. Nielsen, and hymn writer H. A. Brorson, among others.
Ribe Katedralskole is recognized as Denmark's oldest gymnasium and continues to operate as a modern educational institution while maintaining its historic buildings and traditions.
