Kegnæs Kirke

The church was built by Duke Hans the Younger in connection with his founding of the present settlement at Kegnæs, but according to legend also as penance for executions committed in injustice.

Altarpiece from about 1450. Was formerly, like the font and pulpit, situated in the now vanished church, St. Nicolaj Kirke in Sønderborg.

Figure of Christ from about 1500 on railing between nave and chancel. Two side figures, the Virgin Mary and the apostle John are from about 1691.

Duke Hans the Younger resided at Sønderborg Slot, and according to legend, one winter some pork sides disappeared from the storeroom. The Duke was furious and accused seven farmers from Klinting of theft. As they could not prove their innocence, they were hanged. When the weather subsequently became warmer and the moat thawed, the pork sides floated to the surface. None of the castle employees had dared to reveal that they had discarded the meat because it had gone bad.

Had Hans been anything other than a nobleman, he would have been executed for murder. But the duke travelled to Rome and presented his dilemma to the Pope, who granted him absolution on condition that Hans the Younger build two churches. One of the churches stands at Kegnæs, and the corresponding Nykirke in Angeln was built in 1621-22.