- Type
- Ruin
- Origins
- 14th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
- Coordinates
- 55.6772°, 12.5800°
History
On the islet of Slotsholmen Bishop Absalon built a stronghold in 1167 around which Copenhagen grew; it was destroyed by the forces of the Hanseatic League in 1369. On its rubble, covered over with earthworks, the bishops of Roskilde raised a new Copenhagen Castle in the years that followed – a royal bailiff was in residence by 1387 – and in 1417 King Eric of Pomerania seized it, ending a dispute between crown and bishops that had lasted over two centuries. From then on it was the seat of the Danish monarchs, enlarged many times, and its Blue Tower, raised by Christian IV in 1596, served as a state prison. By the early 18th century the castle, overloaded by additions, had begun to crack, so in 1731 Christian VI had it pulled down and the first Christiansborg Palace built in its place. The foundations of both castles were uncovered in 1907–1908 during construction of the present Christiansborg.
What to see
The ruins are seen in a dedicated exhibition beneath Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish parliament. Under the vaults lie the stone walls of Absalon's stronghold, parts of the foundations of Copenhagen Castle, a well, remains of the Blue Tower and the old moat. Panels and models show how the castle changed over the centuries before the palace replaced it.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q3306889
Popularity: articles about this site in 18 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).