Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Castle, in Copenhagen

Christiansborg Castle, on the islet of Slotsholmen, concentrates more than nine centuries of history and today shelters the three powers of the Danish State. The Copenhagen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this building born in the twelfth century as a medieval fortress, several times ravaged by the flames, and the only building in the world to gather the Parliament, the government and the Supreme Court under one roof.

History

It is more than nine centuries of history that shape this great castle of the centre of Copenhagen. Built originally in the twelfth century, it was the residence of the royal family for many centuries, until 1794, the date on which a fire ravaged it, forcing the court to move to the palace of Amalienborg. Christiansborg has not always had its current appearance: originally, it was a medieval fortress surrounded by ramparts and moats, of which you can still see the ruins during the visit. Enlarged over the reigns, it was partly destroyed by the fire of 1794, then by a second in 1884; rebuilt and restored, it took its current form only in 1928. It today hosts the seat of the Danish Parliament, but also the executive and judicial powers: it is moreover the only building in the world gathering the three branches of the government under one roof. The visit, a true leap into the past, leads from the ruins of the medieval fortress to the sumptuous state rooms still used by the royal family for official receptions.

What to see

Here you visit a castle of more than nine centuries, born as a medieval fortress of which the ruins subsist, former royal residence ravaged by the fires of 1794 and 1884 and rebuilt in 1928; it is the only building in the world to gather Parliament, government and Supreme Court, and preserves sumptuous state rooms. Christiansborg Castle is the heart of Danish power. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Christiansborg Castle stands on the islet of Slotsholmen, in the heart of Copenhagen, reachable on foot. The visit of the state rooms and the ruins is paying; the hours vary according to the season and some parts close during official events. It is best to enquire before coming.

Why is Christiansborg Castle of Copenhagen unique?

Because it is the only building in the world to gather the three branches of the government, the Parliament, the executive power and the judicial power, under one roof; former royal castle of more than nine centuries, born as a medieval fortress and ravaged by the fires of 1794 and 1884, it was rebuilt in 1928 and preserves the ruins of the fortress and sumptuous state rooms.

Where is Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen?

On the islet of Slotsholmen, in the heart of Copenhagen, in Denmark.