Visiting Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen
The Royal Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen may be less than 100 years old but it sits on the historic Slotsholmen (Castle Island) which has been the centre of royal power for over 800 years. The palace is, in fact, built on the ruins of an 800-year-old palace beneath, and has since been built three times. The palace was only completed in 1928 and is still in use by the Danish Queen for official events like audiences and banquets.
The impressive tower on the palace affords amazing views of the city with all the landmarks from the church towers to Tivoli funfair rides. You can even see the Little Mermaid in the water!
Photo credit by Mikkel Groenlund / Royal Palaces press
The third palace to be built on this site in the 800 year history, with the 1740 Baroque palace by Christian VI burnt down just 54 years loater with only the sables surviving the blaze. The current Christiansborg Palace is a working palace and was designed to house the accommodate both the Royal Family and the two houses of Danish Parliament.
When the palace isn't in use for royal functions, it is possible to visit the main rooms, filled with impressive royal artefacts. This city centre palace provides living history for its visitors.
Photo credit by Thomas Rahbek / Royal Palaces press
The Royal Reception Rooms
These royal chambers are the most luxurious in the palace and these colourful halls are still used for state visits and occasions such as royal banquets and ceremonies. Here you can see the ornate decoration including priceless artwork, antiques, artefacts, and sparkling chandeliers.
The Throne Room
This is where the Queen receives foreign royalty and world leaders. The thrones themselves in this historic room are relics from 1660 and not in use since 1848 when the palace almost burned down! The King's throne has two golden lions and the queen's has two griffons. It's also used for welcoming for gala banquets as well as state visits and the New Year palace banquet. It's decorated with green silk walls and marble pillars.
Since 1660, when the Danish monarchy was introduced, every king and queen has been announced from the balcony here when they accede to the throne.
Photo credit by Mikkel Groenlund / Royal Palaces press
The Great Hall
Unsurprisingly this is the largest room in the palace and is decorated with large tapestries from ceiling to floor - "The Queen's Tapestries". This Baroque styled hall is still used for entertaining for royal banquets and occasions.
The room preceeding the Banqueting Room is The Velvet room, where the Royal Family welcome guests in the deep pink and marble setting. The room is named from the 300 meters of velvet that cover the walls, woven in India and showing the Danish inignia of three lions adn nine hearts. The velvet has been recently replace as it was 100 years old. This room was modeleld on the French King Louis XIV's bedroom in the famously opulent Palace of Versaille in France.
The Alexander Room is a smaller room but still impressive, used for smaller dinners and Danish Armed Forces. Enjoy the mirrors, pillars, and gold.
Photo credit by Thorkild Jensen/ Royal Palaces press
The Royal Stables
Since the 18th century these stables have been home to the royal horses and is still in use today. Since 1740 this has been in use, and one of the buildings to survive from the Baroque era. The Golden State Coach which is 24 carat gold leaf is the most fancy item housed in the stables.
Photo credit by Büro Jantzen / Royal Palaces press
The Palace Chapel
Dating back to 1826 the Royal Palace Chapel is used for royal events such as weddings, since the magnificent royal wedding of 1828. The architecture is based on the Pantheon in Rome and to Greek temples, with four large pillars at the front. The marble here is some of the finest stucco technique in the world. Strange fact, in 1993 a firework landed on the chapel and set fire to it, damaging the roof and dome. It luckily didn't burn down and has since been restored.
Photo credit by Thorkild Jensen / Royal Palaces press
The Royal Kitchens
Recently restored so the public can visit, these kitchens were used for royal banquets in the 1930s. On a tour of the Royal Kitchens you can see one of the largest collections of copperware in Europe in the copper pots here, and it is furnished as it was in Christian X's day. The largest of royal banquets here was in 1937 for 275 guests.
Opening Hours for Visiting
Photo credit by Mikkel Groenlund / Royal Palaces press
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