VORDINGBORG

city, Storstrm amtskommune (county commune), southern Sjlland (Zealand), Denmark, on Masne Sound. Founded in the 12th century around its castle, which was built by Valdemar I as a defense against the Wends, the town of Vordingborg became a favourite meeting place of the Danehof (national assembly), at one of whose meetings the oldest national statute was published (1241). The city was chartered in 1415. In the 14th century Valdemar IV built the curious "Goose Tower," crowned with a golden (now copper) goose weathercock, on the grounds of his castle, which is now a botanic garden. Vordingborg's industries include meat-packing and brick and cement manufacturing. The city has a mental home and a hospital for tubercular children. There are several colleges in the area. The 18th-century manor farm of Rosenfeldt is nearby. From Vordingborg a 2-mile (3.2-kilometre) bridge-the longest in Denmark-connects with the island of Falster. Pop. (1986 est.) city, 8,780; (1990 est.) mun., 20,041.