Christiansborg

Christiansborg Slot is home to the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister's Department, thus this makes it the centre of power in Denmark. Demonstrations against the proposals of the government always end up in front of Christiansborg, of which one part is open to the public. This is where Bishop Absalon built his castle as far back as 1167. Later the Castle of Copenhagen was located here. In 1732 the building of a magnificent Baroque castle began at the request of Christian VI, but this castle burnt down in 1794. Under the rule of Christian VII, a new, Classical Christianborg was built, but also this castle burnt down, in 1880. A third Christiansborg was built between 1907 and 1923 in Baroque style after the drawings by architect Thorvald Jorgensen. The facade is covered with granite from Bornholm. The spire is 104 metres tall, one of the tallest in the city. Behind the castle are beautiful riding grounds with stables; these parts of the castle still date from Christian VI's old Baroque building. On the riding grounds, stands a statue of Christian IX made by Anne Marie Carl Nielsen. In the summer the riding grounds are used for theatre performances and concerts (jazz, rock and classical music). On the square at Christiansborg stands a statue of Frederik V, made by French sculptor J F Saly. The sculpture, revealed in 1711, is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful of the city. Tours of the castle take place at 10a, 11a and 1p-4p daily, every month except June.

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• Attraction Type: Historical Buildings

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