The city of Odense, the third-largest in Denmark, was founded as a shrine to Odin, king of the old Norse gods. It is regarded by many Danes as one of the most culturally important communities in Denmark. It is also counted among the nation's oldest cities, with the earliest settlement dating back to the Stone Age. The Medieval times were a period of great reformation for the city, and monumental landmarks like the Saint Canute's Church and Saint Mary's were built then. Odense is a compact and lively city, and contains several fascinating attractions. Few such attractions include the former home of Odense's son Hans Cristian Andersen, the Carl Nielsen Museum, and the Funen Village open-air museum.