Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen

A Founder Immortalized in Bronze

Peder Bodilsen stands as one of medieval Denmark's most influential figures, and his legacy is preserved in this remarkable bronze equestrian statue on Munkebakken. The sculpture, measuring just 42 centimeters in height, earned the affectionate title "Danmarks Mindste Rytterstatue"—Denmark's Smallest Equestrian Monument. Despite its diminutive size, the work carries immense historical weight, commemorating the nobleman who founded Næstved and shaped the trajectory of South Zealand for centuries to come. Bodilsen's vision transformed a modest settlement into a thriving medieval town. As a landowner and administrator of considerable influence, he recognized the strategic and commercial potential of the location and invested his resources and authority to establish what would become one of Denmark's significant urban centers. His foresight in urban development and his role in the region's prosperity earned him a place of honor in the city's collective memory.

The Monument's Jubilee Origins

The statue was unveiled in 1935, a moment of great civic pride when Næstved celebrated its 800-year anniversary. Rather than erect a towering monument, the city chose to commission a modest yet dignified bronze sculpture that reflects both the founder's stature and the intimate connection between the community and its origins. The decision to create an equestrian statue—a traditional form reserved for figures of exceptional importance—underscores Bodilsen's enduring significance in Danish history. The placement on Munkebakken, a hill with its own layered history, creates a symbolic geography of remembrance. The location itself has become a gathering point for multiple memorials and sculptures, transforming the hillside into an open-air museum of South Zealand's past. The surrounding landscape provides context and contemplative space, allowing visitors to reflect on the centuries that have unfolded since Bodilsen's era.

Artistic Craftsmanship and Historical Resonance

The bronze medium chosen for this sculpture ensures both durability and a warm, approachable aesthetic. Bronze develops a natural patina over decades, creating visual depth and a sense of timelessness that suits a historical monument. The equestrian pose—with rider and horse captured in a moment of noble bearing—conveys authority without aggression, reflecting the administrative and visionary qualities that defined Bodilsen's leadership. Visitors approaching the statue encounter not merely a sculpture but a tangible connection to the medieval world. The craftsmanship evident in the details—the horse's musculature, the rider's posture, the decorative elements of saddle and bridle—speaks to the artisan's respect for the subject and the patron's commitment to quality. This attention to detail transforms a small bronze figure into a window onto a distant era.

A Quiet Space for Historical Reflection

The memorial functions as more than a tourist attraction; it serves as a place of civic identity and historical continuity. For residents of Næstved, the statue represents the city's proud heritage and the enduring legacy of its founder. For visitors, it offers an accessible entry point into medieval Danish history and the stories of individual visionaries who shaped the nation's urban landscape. The modest scale of the monument invites close observation and personal interpretation. Unlike grand monuments designed to overwhelm through sheer size, this sculpture encourages visitors to step near, examine details, and engage imaginatively with the figure it represents. The intimacy of the work creates an unexpected emotional resonance, transforming a small bronze figure into a powerful symbol of historical continuity and civic pride.