 After the Danish Reformation , involving the suppression of the Catholic bishopric in 1536 , the city enjoyed a sustained period of prosperity from the 1530s to the mid @-@ 17th century , becoming northern Funen 's commercial centre . One of the main sources of income was the sale of cattle , providing substantial funds for the construction of fine half @-@ timbered houses for the local merchants . The local nobility also participated in the city 's development by building residences where they spent the winter months . But the city 's prosperity came to an abrupt end in the late 1650s heavy taxes were imposed after the end of the Swedish Wars . A period of stagnation ensued until the end of the 18th century . 
