 Dramatic changes began in Odense in the 18th century to modernise the city and a great plan was drawn up for development . In 1720 , Frederick IV ordered the rebuilding of Odense Palace , partly on the foundations of the 13th century St. Hans ’ s Monastery , and the construction of St Hans ’ s Church by the Knights Hospitallers . An 8 kilometre ( 5 @.@ 0 mi ) long , 7 @.@ 5 metre ( 25 ft ) deep canal from Odense Harbour to Odense Fjord was built between 1796 and 1806 to facilitate the growth of Odense as a port city , radically increasing its level of trade and population . Founded in 1796 , Odense Teater is the first provincial theatre in Denmark and the country 's second oldest . Odense Central Library was established in 1924 and removed to Odense station in 1995 . The Odense Music Library contains Denmark 's largest collection of phonograms . 
